ART by Elisa Jane Carmichael is set to provide striking public displays of Quandamooka culture and highlight the strong connections between country and generations.
Redland mayor Karen Williams said council and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation were delighted to announce Elisa as the feature artist for the 2017 Quandamooka Festival Temporary Public Art Banners.
“We are proud to partner with QYAC to profile Elisa’s work until the end of 2017 in the latest rotation of temporary art through the Creative Arts Redlands’ Public Art Program,” Cr Williams said.
“For the women in my life … will be installed on Thursday 27 July at Harold Walker Jetty in Dunwich (Goompi) and on the feature wall overlooking Redland Art Gallery, Middle Street, Cleveland (Nandeebie).
“It will be complemented by the photographic dual portrait Carrying Home 2017, to be displayed at Redland Performing Arts Centre.
“I encourage people to seek out these artworks and the many other wonderful arts, cultural, environmental and dining events happening over the next three months.”
Quandamooka Festival curator Avril Quaill said showcasing Quandamooka artists was a high priority for the program.
“Elisa is immensely talented. The public art banners are not only beautiful drawcards in their own right but their placement in three prominent locations are a stunning visual way to highlight the 2017 Quandamooka Festival and its ideals.”
Carmichael is a Ngugi woman from Quandamooka country. She is completing a Gilimbaa artist in residence at Alice Springs and is passionate about nurturing and preserving her strong connection to the sand and sea, Yoolooburrabee.
Known as Leecee, she works in an array of colours and materials, weaving her family’s connection to country through paint and fibres.
She said her piece for the women in her life drew inspiration from her ancestry and childhood.
“Mum and I would always weave together. I think about how I am in a new place and reflect on the women in my life…,” she said.
“This work is about describing the way I carry country with me, about who I am, then and now as one of the salt water people.”
Elisa’s dual portrait Carrying Home also reflects on her strong connection to heritage and home.
“Carrying Home is a dual portrait… It’s about who I am today and my place as an Aboriginal woman; a salt water woman living in desert country.
“By living in desert country, I have learnt that salt water is with me wherever I go.”
Her exhibition Connecting Waves: a saltwater woman living on desert country can be seen at Onespace Gallery until August 5 as part of the Quandamooka Festival.
To view the 2017 Quandamooka Festival program visit www.quandamookafestival.com.au.
