SEPTEMBER 2021 HIGHLIGHT

“The Pilbara is known for it’s red dirt, salt and sand (and of course iron ore). I was new to this environment, and new to the Hedland community, and so were the residency artists Jacky, Sultana and Megan. The series of community basket-making, paper-dyeing and bottle craft opened up communication and ideas far greater than I ever saw possible. I experienced women sharing their stories, laughing and crying over the joy and sorrow of living in such a harsh environment, together creating a beautiful garden exhibition using the many vessels, leaves and sculptures made during the residency. The project was part of the 2021 Indian Ocean Triennial.”

Joo Tan, Exhibitions Coordinator

Over three months, resident artists Jacky Cheng, Sultana Shamshi and Megan Kirwan-Ward led a creative exchange of crafting, storytelling, and skill-sharing with Hedland’s youth, culturally and linguistically diverse community, and those living with a disability. Together artists and community members explored crafting as daily ritual, coupling everyday materials and traditional techniques to create inspired work. The final result of the residency was an exhibition called TEND.