Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland is a three-part exhibition series capturing generations of cultural knowledge shaped by a profound relationship to Country.
In these vibrant and innovative works, emerging and established First Nations artists from across Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait explore new materials and techniques as they share what it means to belong.
Belonging series I and II highlights
Belonging debuted at the National Museum of Australia from 7 July 2022 to 12 February 2023, featuring works by artists from Hope Vale, Yarrabah, Moa/Mua Island and Mornington Island.
Hairy Man by Philomena Yeatman and Valmai Pollard
Goiga Pudhai by Flora Warria
I Didn't Know Where I Was Going by Daisy Hamlot
Love Rocks by Agnes Kohler
Saulalaw Thonar by David Bosun
Hairy Man by Wayne Connolly
Washing Clothes in the Creek by Wanda Gibson
The second of the Belonging series, with works from Cardwell, Badu Island and Aurukun, was on show at the National Museum from 2 March to 18 February 2024.
Artist workshops
A series of workshops were held in the communities involved with Belonging. Art centres and artists nominated the type of workshop they wanted – ranging from advanced painting to ceramics and photography – and emerging and established artists were encouraged to take part.
More than 400 works were created by more than 100 artists. All works were acquired by the National Museum of Australia for its National Historical Collection.
Artists from four centres featured in the first Belonging exhibition:
Artists from three centres feature in the second Belonging exhibition. Learn more about each centre and the artists it represents:
Acknowledgements
The Belonging project was developed by the Indigenous Art Centre Alliance (IACA). The Belonging publication was generously supported by the Gordon Darling Foundation.
Read the Museum’s media release on Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland