Seeds and Sovereignty Exhibition at GOMA

I highly recommend this exhibition to you, which is still available for viewing free of charge until the 18th August 2024.

by Monika Janda

Currently, Brisbanites have the opportunity to see a wonderful exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Southbank. It is called Seeds and Sovereignty – Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (qagoma.qld.gov.au). Artworks are coming together under three themes: Maps, Seasons and Songlines, and  Messages and Meaning.

The artworks are just stunning, and for those who love nature and native flora there are many pieces that specifically resonate with the viewer.

One of the most stunning pieces in the exhibition is called Skin Country, by Carol McGregor. It features a map of Brisbane River and its surrounds, and is painted on (New Zealand sourced) grey possum skins. Beyond the river reaches, plants and seeds are featured, and each is drawn from the natural colours that were obtained from the plants themselves. The artist collected them at locations all around Brisbane and then featured them at the location it was found on the map. It’s just marvellous and you can spend ages looking at it. I specifically enjoyed seeing the native peanut seed, I have a tree in my backyard and the seeds and seed pots are just stunning. The piece also reminded me about a recent report by Save our Waterways Now (SOWN), a very active long established bushcare group In The Gap, who recently published the Rainforest Statement of Significance, which provided us with a glimpse into the history of the local rainforest and its longstanding tree residents, many older than 400 years old.

Another piece by Christian Thompson who is a London-based indigenous artist, uses eucalyptus blossoms in his photography in combination with a black hoody to draw attention to how indigenous environment and people have suffered in recent history. This piece gave the exhibition its name and as our guide indicated resonates deeply with the younger exhibition audience.

Beautiful and unique are two glass vitrines with Hermannsburg potter Rona Rubuntja’s ‘Bush tucker’ series 2009, each handcrafted by local artists, and featuring local bushtucker. Who would have known that there is such a variety of bushfood available, in all colours, shapes and forms. Amazing artwork once more but also enlightening with regards to the traditional forms or obtaining the necessary sustenance.

There are many other excellent artworks that might resonate with you, and your love for nature. It’s well worth a visit and I highly recommend this exhibition to you, which is still available for viewing free of charge until the 18^th August.