Indigenous artist Safina Walsh.– Kath Gannaway
THE passion and hope Safina Walsh has for indigenous Australians will be expressed at her first solo exhibition, Journeys, which is open throughout May.
May is an important month for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as it incorporates Reconciliation Week and, on 26 May, Sorry Day. The 40th anniversary of the national referendum that allowed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be counted as Australian citizens is on 27 May.
Ms Walsh’s passion for expressing her multi-ethnic uniqueness in her artwork is part of a vision she has as an indigenous artist for a better Australia.
Journeys will present an opportunity for people to reflect on Australia’s indigenous heritage and current issues, particularly poverty.
On opening night, Saturday, 12 May, the Make Indigenous Poverty History campaign will be highlighted and guests will have the opportunity to respond by signing a “poverty pole”, which symbolises people’s commitment to do something personally about indigenous poverty.
For the artist who was born in Auckland and raised in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, Journeys is an apt title for this exhibition.
Ms Walsh says her life has been full of multicultural experiences and that she is proud of her Scottish, Asian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island heritage.
“Art and a pride in my cultural heritage allows me the opportunity to showcase creative reflection, giving me a platform to honour the Creator as one made in His image,” she explained.
Her contemporary indigenous art encompasses vibrant and intense tones, fluid contours and vivid imagery.
Journeys will showcase images ranging from the sea creatures of the Torres Strait, to topographic landscapes and the more traditional symbols of Aboriginal art.
The exhibition, at Lady Hawke Cafe, 1365 Mt Dandenone Tourist Road, Olinda, runs from 5 to 30 May.
Ms Walsh will be at the cafe on Saturday 19 May from 11am to 2pm to meet visitors.
Websites of interest: www.artbysafina.com.au and www.makeindigenouspovertyhistory.org.
