This is an exhibition of artwork created during three workshops in September 2017. The workshops were the beginning of illustrations and layout planning for the translated dreaming story
Kawir & Kuthun, published in 2018.
The participants in the workshops worked together to create a story board for the book while experimenting with different illustration techniques and materials. There was even sculpting of characters from clay!
The exhibition includes some of the art created during the workshops by:
Liticia Ross,
Glenn Ross,
Tracy Hamilton,
Karen Wilson,
Daryll Bellingham and
Narida Miller. The workshops and exhibition were facilitated by Sivonne Binks.
The Deniliquin Mental As Arts Project was a partnership between Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, St Luke’s, NSW Health Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Deniliquin High School.
Some of the artworks and stories in this piece were created by consumers who were reflecting upon their experiences of living with severe and persistent mental illness.
Many of the artworks, though, were created by Indigenous students at Deniliquin High School. They were completed over three sessions which featured wide ranging discussions on issues related to mental health with Yarkuwa, Deniliquin High School and St Luke’s staff.
These artworks have all been digitally transformed and combined into this final piece. It represents the complexity and ongoing nature of recovery. The woven river at the heart of the piece integrates both the Kolety (Edward River) and local weaving practice - both culturally significant for the local Aboriginal people of Deniliquin.
This mobile exhibition measures 8m x 1.5m and is currently on tour throughout the Riverina region.
We would like to thank the Murray Primary Health Network and the Partners in Recovery program for their support and hope that that this artwork increasing understanding of people living with mental illness and the various ways people pursue recovery.