Curator + Artist + Community Conversations: Vicki West

Contribute to the second encounter of a series of conversations on the new QVMAG Royal Park permanent galleries.

About this event

Join Vicki West Tasmanian Aboriginal artist and Ashley Bird QVMAG Curator in a conversation that explores the new QVMAG Royal Park permanent galleries.

The new display wants to create a space for reconciliation. It aims to change the colonial narrative that has dominated Tasmanian Galleries since the 19th century.

The reinterpretation of the QVMAG’s collection now reflects our histories, identities and stories in a fresh and contemporary context. Focusing on local Aboriginal cultures, colonial history and modern diversity, this exhibition encourages us to contemplate the ever-changing cultural landscape and our sense of belonging within it.

As part of the transformation of Royal Park, QVMAG commissioned Vicki West, Dave mangenner Gough and Darryl Rogers to create the work taymi ningina/Never Ceded.

This work revolves endlessly, echoing the persistent and sovereign presence of Tasmanian Aboriginal peoples.

Through Vicki West’s eyes we invite you to re-think our story and our sense of belonging to place. Does the term reconciliation resonate for Vicki?

We want to have an honest conversation with our community.

Has our attempt at diversifying the gallery succeeded? Is it truly contributing to reconciliation? Is the term reconciliation adequate from Vicki's perspective and for you?

We are open to provocations and criticism. Join an open conversation between curator, artist and community.

 

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Vicki West 

Vicki West is a Tasmanian Aboriginal artist of the trawlwoolway people from the north-east coast region.

West’s arts practice includes large scale installations incorporating multiple elements, smaller scale sculptural works, jewellery, textiles, painting and new media.

She draws on traditional Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural practices and materials to create contemporary artworks that explore and celebrate cultural survival in the face of continuing colonial myths of the extinction of her people. In her own words ‘we are still here’.

West has maintained a strong local, national and international exhibition record over the past decade, most recently in String Theory at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. She is represented in the collections

of major institutions including the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra; the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney; the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin; the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney; the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery; and the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, amongst others.

 

Ashley Bird

With more than a decade of experience in commercial galleries across Australia, and through education in creative practice at the University of Tasmania, Ashley has developed a rich career in the arts and cultural sector.

Originally hailing from Melbourne, Ashley first started his career in garment construction, leading to a career path across the industries of film and television.

Since moving to Tasmania and becoming a Curator for the Visual Art and Design collection at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Ashley has remained a passionate professional custodian of the unique collection at QVMAG.

As a practicing artist, Ashley is committed to nurturing and fostering the creativity of Tasmanians through the QVMAG collection, now and in the future.  

When

Location

Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street, Launceston, 7250, View Map