close to the wind is a new body of work that celebrates Waup’s sustained exploration of printmaking. Investigating new inks and printing techniques, she has revealed through an intuitive process that eloquently illustrates her life’s journey of discovery and connection. Her practice is concerned with the hidden histories of Australia, often referencing the ongoing impacts of colonisation and the layers of colonial intervention that continue to impact First Peoples and the environment. A significant element in Waup’s practice is the First Nation’s concept of Country. This extends to the spiritual and cultural aspects of the land, encompassing the sky and waterways and our individual responsibilities to the native plants and wildlife. The natural environment is a grounding element in my work, in which I encourage a narrative of respect, engagement, and activism. For Waup, motherhood, family, and Country are connected, the act of making allows me to unite histories of dispossession with the strength and resilience of First Nations families, including her own. Incorporating found and historical materials, she addresses the hidden histories First Peoples have held alone. Weaving in objects that may have otherwise been discarded, she gives them a voice. close to the wind is a personal exploration of her life experiences and in many ways her works could be defined as self-reflection. Though her stories are not unique, they are her own. By creating this work, Waup shares with audiences the importance of deep listening, being present, and advocating for family and Country. Hannah Presley an Aboriginal curator, who currently is the senior curator, Art Museums at The University of Melbourne was invited to be a Guest Curator and wrote an essay for the catalogue that accompanied close to the wind, she also gave me much support to enable this exhibition into fruition. This body of work has been created at Spacecraft in Narrm.
Funding
Creative Australia;the Vice Provost for the Arts;G-24-393966
History
Add to Elements
Yes
NTRO Output Type
Original Creative Work
NTRO Output Category
Original Creative Work : Visual artwork
Place
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
Venue
Kluge-Ruhe Aborginal Art Collection, University of Virginia
NTRO Publisher
https://kluge-ruhe.org/
Medium
Screen printing on cotton rag paper and jute sand bags, found objects
Research Statement
close to the wind details experimental printmaking techniques that breaks down traditional method through innovative, layered and unconventional approaches. The body of work emphasised the ongoing First Nations relationship between land, culture - encouraging reflection on the environmental and societal forces shaping both First Nations and global futures.
close to the wind challenges conventional perceptions by integrating First Nations knowledge with global concerns like climate change and cultural survival. Through innovative materials and techniques, the exhibition encourages audiences to reconsider the relevance of First Nations art in contemporary discourse. The work highlights the enduring role of First Nations art in shaping conversations about Country, identity and environmental activism.
Presenting close to the wind exhibition in the USA holds significant importance fostering cross-cultural understanding of First Nations art. The Kluge-Ruhe is totally dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, which serves as a vital bridge between rich cultural and contemporary First Nations perspectives - which exposes enriched global dialogue on First Nations issues and promotes a deeper appreciation of diverse artistic expression.
Size or Duration of Work
Exhibition: 16/12/2023- 30/06/2024 Variable installation, series of screen painting/ impressions on (x7) 76 x 112cm cotton rag paper