Wednesday 4 April 2012

Sydney Elders


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:

Virginia said...

What a wonderful collection of portraits and the focus on elders is to be commended.
V

Luis Gomez said...

Great exhibition! Thanks Julie.

Unknown said...

Fantastic exhibition! Wonderful portraits and great shots of the portraits too.

Stefan Jansson said...

This looks like a great exhibition. Lots of interesting faces here.

Jim said...

Terrific portraits.

Jilly said...

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.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Julie, I appreciated and enjoyed this post immensely, many thanks!

Mark said...

This looks like a great exhibition and you capture it well.
Enjoy your Easter Julie.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Lovely faces. Reminds me that I should look at faces more .. and maybe one day pick up the courage to photograph them.

brattcat said...

wonderful portraits, julie. thank you for bringing them to us.

diane b said...

A super exhibition. It is true we could promote more of these people rather than the not so great types.

Gordon said...

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.

Breathtaking said...

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.:)