Barangga: First Nations Design

‘barangga’ takes place on Bidjigal and Gadigal Country. This land has been an important place of learning since time immemorial. We recognise the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples as the Continuing Custodians of this site, and acknowledge them as the first designers and innovators of this land. 

'Barangga' is a Dharawal word meaning 'large vessel' or 'island'. It speaks to the significance of design and making in First Nations practices, while embodying the notion of bringing people together and holding space for community.

The exhibition and accompanying program of workshops celebrates design and making practices as a vital form of cultural knowledge in First Nations Communities across Australia. The project considers the ongoing importance of preserving material culture and renewing cultural practices; connections with Country; Community consultation and collaboration; and intergenerational knowledge exchange.

The project presents itself as an exhibition and a workspace, activated through a series of making workshops offering a space to create, share, and learn throughout the exhibition period.

Practitioners
Debra Beale
Sharyn Egan
Luke Russell
Leanne Tobin

Yamaji Women:
Elvie Dann
Margaret Whitehurst
Barbara Merritt
Jenine Boeree
Charmaine Green
Donna Ronan
Nicole Monks & Yarra Monks
Michelle Sims
Chloe Sims

—

The project is led by UNSW Professor of Practice, UNSW Galleries Advisory board member, and multi-disciplinary creative Nicole Monks. Presented by UNSW Galleries in partnership with UNSW Art & Design.

Approval was granted from the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council to use language in the project title.

ESSAY 

 

 

 

 

Public Programs

Workshop: Tool-Making with Luke Russell
12–5pm Saturday 17 June 2023
Learn about tool-making practices in a demonstration and workshop led by proud Gringai/Worimi man and Cultural Knowledge Holder Luke Russell.

Boorongur Workshop: Weaving with Sharyn Egan
2–5pm Saturday 17 June 2023
Learn how to make your own Boorongur or ‘totem’ in this weaving workshop with Nyoongar artist Sharyn Egan.

Workshop: Bush Jewellery with Debra Beale
10am–1pm Wednesday 5 July 2023
2–5pm Wednesday 5 July 2023
Join Debra Beale as she shares technical knowledge and cultural connections to Country through participatory workshops in bush jewellery making.

Marlu Workshop: Making Kangaroo Skin Bags
1–4pm Saturday 22 July 2023
Learn how to make a bag from kangaroo skins with transdisciplinary artist Nicole Monks, and visual artist and poet Charmaine Green.

Image: Debra Beale, Sacred I Collection, 2005–23 for Global Indigenous Runway, 2023. Photograph: Lucas Dawson
Installation Images: Installation view, 'barangga: First Nations Design', UNSW Galleries, 2023. Photography: Jacquie Manning.