With art works selected from a series of thirteen exhibitions from Albany to Kununnura, The Alternative Archive was shown at the John Curtin Gallery in 2021. Now this survey returns to the regions, sharing stories, memories, and experiences of artists from across the State.
Out of the 200 artists, 28 were invited to create a contemporary archive, documenting parts of their community they felt should be highlighted. They have responded to local archives and collections, or have produced new archives that can preserve ‘untold’ histories. Working in a range of media – including painting, drawing, textiles, jewellery, video and sculpture – the artists of The Alternative Archive tell of the deep, multi-generational connections to place and family that are embedded in objects and materials. Their artworks unearth stories that have been lost, kept hidden or that need to be told in new voices, as well as new stories shared in public for the first time.
The Alternative Archive will be on at BRAG from 7 October to 21 January 2024.
The Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Entry is always.
Banner: Marianne Penberthy, an Offering (detail), 2019. Image courtesy the artist.
Side Image: June Djiagwen, When the Marjar came (blackbirding), 2019. image courtesy Kevin Smith.
