11 March  – 13 May 2023

Image © Mary-Lou Orliyarli Divili

New Voices in Australian Photography, has created space for the voices and images of four Aboriginal women from different regions of the northwest of Western Australia. Each artist offers a unique view of the world – their voices amplified through the lenses of their cameras.

Nuriah Jadai, Maria Fredericks, Maria Maraltadj, and Mary-Lou Divilli are much more than documentary makers, although the significance of that tradition should never be understated. With cameras, these women continue the tradition of storytelling across millennia. They have reclaimed space and a practice that has historically ‘othered’ Aboriginal people.

These artists have provided a portal into their lives as Aboriginal women living remotely in Australia. Accessibility to their ancient living cultures is challenged daily. But they have found solace in their photography which helps them stay connected to Country, to their family and to themselves. Their resilience is palpable.

Whilst the narratives strongly relate to the complexities of identity and the impact of ongoing colonialism, Maria Fredericks, Mary-Lou Divilli, Nuriah Jadai, and Maria Maraltadj have opened their hearts and minds, challenging audiences, and offering them messages of healing, hope, and a way forward.

New Voices in Australian Photography acknowledges the special place that Aboriginal women hold in this world – as holders of knowledge which sustains life, to be passed on to future generations; as custodians of Creation stories that connect us to our ancestors, as people with a voice and something important to say, and as caretakers of Mother Earth.

Michelle Broun, Curator, Creative Producer, and Researcher, Yindjibarndi residing on Whadjuk Nyungar Boodja

CLICK GALLERY BELOW FOR ARTIST WEBPAGES

PCP acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body, supported by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund.