Running from March 27th until June 12th: MOTHER traverses geographies, cultures and mediums to present diverse stories drawn from across the National Gallery of Victoria. The exhibition features works by contemporary and historical Australian and First Nations artists, alongside international art.
Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu, New generation, 2021, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark, (detail), © The Artist, Courtesy of Buku Larrŋgay Mulka, NT, Alcaston Gallery and the NGV
It explores both universal and culturally specific experiences of motherhood – from private transformation and societal expectation to intergenerational trauma and loss, mythology and religious iconography, storytelling and language and the deep connection between motherhood, nature and Country.
Yvonne Koolmatrie, Weaver’s baby in coolamon, 2008, kangaroo skin, (detail), © Yvonne Koolmatrie, Courtesy Aboriginal & Pacific Art Gallery and the NGV
Bringing together more than 200 works, the exhibition features artists including Karla Dickens, Wiradjuri. Iluwanti Ken, Yvonne Koolmatrie, Hayley Millar Baker, Nira-Bulok Taungurung, Tracey Moffatt, and Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu.