Gallery 1
The Enlightenment
Phyllis Stewart and Samantha Snedden
Curated by Samantha Snedden
Mentored by Tess Allas
Roomsheet
The Enlightenment, curated by Samantha Snedden — as part of our First Peoples Curators Program — seeks to disrupt conventional imaginings of weaving and woven work, specifically within the aesthetic scheme of the settler colony. A cheeky nod to the Age of Enlightenment, the exhibition reimagines what the emergence of new ideas can look like through a critical and playful use of First Nations weaving practices. In this exhibition you will see emerging weaver, Samantha Snedden and master weaver, Phyllis Stewart’s relationship evolve through their work.
The exhibition is a portal into a woven world — our everyday objects including lampshades, teacup sets and and more traditional First Nations objects, like water carriers are subject to Snedden and Stewart's contemporary interpretation. At the core of any woven piece, is a sense of presence and focus, requiring a strong practice of mindfulness and connection to each work. For First Nations peoples, weaving is a powerful, holistic practice with significant ties to one's well-being and mental health.
Poetry is an integral part of this exhibition. For Snedden, change can be made through stronger connection to culture and a deeper listening of First Nations voices from all Australians. With thought provoking questions, Snedden seeks to challenge outdated narratives and look ahead to the future, one that is enlightened with First Nations practices, stories and truth.