Barangga Yarn: Luke Russell & Matt Poll

Presented over four weeks at key design institutions across Warrang/Sydney, 'Barangga' is a yarning series that celebrates culture and community in First Nations design and making practices across Australia. The program connects leading First Nations designers and creatives working in graphics, digital design, object, tool making, weaving, sculpture, painting, and more, with Australia's most renowned First Nations curators and producers to discuss the power of creative practice.

Luke Russell is a proud Gringai/Worimi man and Cultural Knowledge Holder. Luke's practice and research is focused on learning and passing on the Indigenous knowledge of his Elders. This includes sharing his knowledge of the practice of Kuueeyung, traditional bark canoe-making, and tool making utilising sourced and natural materials. Luke is dedicated to re-awakening the true language, stories, artefacts and practices of the Worimi people, and those within the Kattung language group.

Matt Poll is Manager Indigenous Programs at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Prior to this he was Curator Indigenous Heritage Collections at Chau Chak Wing Museum. For more than a decade, Matt has also worked as a repatriation project officer at the University of Sydney. Previously Matt has worked as Artistic Director of Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative Gallery and has published widely on south-east Australian Aboriginal art. Matt is also the chairperson of Orana Arts mid-western regional NSW and has been a long term member of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Advisory Board member for the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

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Presented by UNSW School of Art & Design and UNSW Galleries. This conversation will take place at the Australian National Maritime Museum. For information on how to access the Maritime Museum, please visit their website.

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

This four-week program of workshops and conversations will be presented onsite at UNSW Galleries as well as at key design institutions across Sydney including the Australian Design Centre and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Explore the full program

 

 

Images: Barangga Yarn: Luke Russell & Matt Poll for 'Barangga: First Nations Design' at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney, 2023.