It is a joyous exhibition of achievement that awaits those who take in Mervyn Bishop's exhibition of portraits of 'Sydney Elders' at the Australian Museum on College Street. An elder does not have to be old, rather a mentor with something to teach younger members of their tribe. Many of these elders are of the Eora tribe, but others are Gringai, or Bundjalung, or Wiradjuri, or Bidjigal, or Gamilaroi.
They emanate pride, and achievement, and solidity, character traits not usually associated with members of indigenous tribes within the greater Australian community. The character traits are most definitely there, just not concentrated upon as they are in Bishop's exhibit. All too often, we concentrate upon the negatives.
Mervyn Bishop's self-portrait is with bow-tie, in Aboriginal colours.
13 comments:
What a wonderful collection of portraits and the focus on elders is to be commended.
V
Great exhibition! Thanks Julie.
Fantastic exhibition! Wonderful portraits and great shots of the portraits too.
This looks like a great exhibition. Lots of interesting faces here.
Terrific portraits.
Superb set of portraits with so much warm, maturity and kindness in these faces. I remember when I lived in Cairns and worked in Real Estate, there was an office above us that helped Aboriginal people of the tablelands in knowing their rights. I'd often pass them on the stairs but in those days I think there was more of a barrier between white and indigenous unfortunately. I'm talking 1988 - 1991.
Julie, I appreciated and enjoyed this post immensely, many thanks!
This looks like a great exhibition and you capture it well.
Enjoy your Easter Julie.
Lovely faces. Reminds me that I should look at faces more .. and maybe one day pick up the courage to photograph them.
wonderful portraits, julie. thank you for bringing them to us.
A super exhibition. It is true we could promote more of these people rather than the not so great types.
It looks like a wonderful exhibition and very well captured.
Thanks for visiting my site and adding me to your side bar. I was not aware that I had been rejoined to the CDPB. I have been somewhat erratic in posting recently, but intend being a regular once again.
This looks like a wonderful positive exibition.In all the portraits there is a feeling of joy,a certain sparkle in the eyes,
which you captured so well.
Another great post Julie,you certainly bring the arts to your followers in many different ways.
Have a Happy Easter.:)
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