Wednesday
Chelsea Evans – Pecha Kucha
Monday 25th March: 14.00 – 14.10
Bio:
Born and raised on Norfolk Island, I studied at Griffith University completing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Honours in 2013, researching the culture and identity of Norfolk Island young people living in Queensland. I returned to Griffith University in July 2018 to begin my PhD focusing on issues of heritage and well-being.
Abstract:
Embracing Norfolk Island cultural heritage as a tool for cultural revival and social change.
I seek to explore the use of current sites as spaces of heritage preservation on Norfolk Island and the way in which this is communicated to a local audience, to determine whether the implantation of innovative cultural institutions, such as a cultural centre, would assist in the protection and revitalization of Bounty heritage.
Eval Malinjinnan – Pecha Kucha: Make old new again
Wednesday 27th March: 14.40 – 14.50
Bio:
Eval Malinjinnan is a Taiwanese Indigenous visual artist whose upbringing was determined by multiculturalism and has experienced the struggle of decolonization and the awakening of the self-perception era. As an overseas-based Taiwanese Indigenous artist, the purposeful meaning of her peripatetic childhood is to explore and go beyond any boundaries; in her case, it is the form of visual art to bring the former glory of traditional heritage back
Abstract:
History defines what we are now; it is the
causality of time-space transformation. However, for those whose history has
been ignored due to marginalization and the vantage of ethnocentric and written
based meritocracy, they need to unbound the old and make it new again. Through
the language of art, it is as remembering, to recharge and replenish Indigenous
spirit over the chaotic historical changes. Therefore, merely to rely on
classical stories is not enough, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous need to
deliver newness to the audience. The next step is to evolve the form of
Indigenous vision so that it challenges the status quo of actor and audience
relationships, the integration of all art forms creating processes that reflect
cultural traditions. Giving a sui generis but also provide the firsthand
articulation of Indigenous modernity
.
Wednesday 27th March: 14.50 – 15.00
Bio:
Dulcie Stewart is an interdisciplinary artist, researcher, and family historian. Informed by her personal history as well as her cultural heritage, Dulcie’s work draws on archival material to explore the complexities of mixed-race experiences in Fiji and the diaspora. Using a wide variety of media, Dulcie presents viewers with alternative ways of looking at the dominant Western narratives by re-framing the stories written about our past.
Abstract:
O Kemuni mai vei?
In Fijian society, genealogy plays an important part when meeting someone for the first time. “O kemuni mai vei?” (Where are you from?) is a question often asked, as it establishes relationships and connections. As vasu, with no paternal connections to a vanua, this was often a difficult question to answer. In this presentation I will: 1) share how my family’s history of displacement and loss of language through colonialism has shaped my arts practice, and how I use material from cultural institutions and private collections to reframe histories written about us but not for us. 2) discuss how my arts practice, research and receiving qia (Fijian female tattooing) has played a role in my identity and reconnecting with the vanua. *Translated into English, vanua means land but at a deeper level it is an extension of the self and encompasses one’s connection to land, people, beliefs, tradition and custom. While vasu is one’s maternal ties to a vanua.
Barbara Masike-Liri – Pecha Kucha
Wednesday 27th March: 15.00 – 15.10
Bio:
Barbara, a strong Bougainvillean woman, has been with The Nature Conservancy for over a decade supporting community conservation in Papua New Guinea. She is passionate about helping people promote their culture and protect biodiversity both of which make her country so incredibly special.
Abstract:
Mangoro Market Meri: a network of women connecting through culture, nature and economy in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea has some of the world’s most important mangrove forests. However, mangroves are threatened by development. Mangoro Market Meri (MMM) brings women from across Papua New Guinea (PNG) to inspire each other to sustain their mangrove forests for both food and cultural wealth as well as monetary wealth for women.
Lisa McDonald – Pecha Kucha
Wednesday 27th March: 15.10 – 15.20
Abstract:
An introduction to the Pacific collection and programmes at Canterbury Museum, Aotearoa New Zealand
This paper presents an introduction to the Pacific collection held at Canterbury Museum and an overview of programmes that have engaged diaspora Island communities based in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Catherine Marklund – Pecha Kucha
Wednesday 27th March: 16.00 – 16.10
Bio:
Catherine Marklund is Assistant Registrar, Exhibitions at Queensland Art Gallery|Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and has worked in registration and collection management roles at the State Library of Victoria, National Gallery of Victoria, Museum Victoria and Tate Gallery. She is an active member of the Australian Registrars Committee (ARC) and has presented and published on managing multiple loans for exhibition which is where her interests remain. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Queensland
Abstract:
Collaboration and legacy: Logistical challenges of transporting culturally valuable large-scale works from East New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
In 2018 QAGOMA commissioned large scale productions of shell money rings from East New Britain. This paper focuses on the steps taken to ensure that all logistical, international cultural and ethical trade standards were met through obtaining cultural export, CITES permits and quarantine requirements. All of which posed challenges to a tight shipping schedule.
Elizabeth Thomson – Pecha Kucha
Wednesday 27th March: 16.10 – 16.20
Bio:
Elizabeth Thompson currently works as a Sculpture Conservator at QAGOMA. She has a Bachelor of Applied Science in the Conservation of Cultural Materials from the University of Canberra (1994) and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Queensland (1991). She has previously worked as an Objects Conservator at the Queensland Museum (2004-2011) and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney (1995-1999).
Abstract:
The role of the Conservator in the preparation of the Women's Wealth Exhibition
The role of the conservator in the preparation of over 100 artworks for the Women’s Wealth Exhibition for the 9th Asia Pacific Triennial at the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art involved a broad range of activities working with numerous departments and covered a wide range of materials and form including cane and pandanus weaving, beading, shell ornamentation and earthenware pottery.
Rhiannon Walker– Pecha Kucha
Wednesday 27th March: 16.20 – 16.30
Bio:
Rhiannon Walker has an Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Queensland (1998), and a Bachelor of Applied Science - Conservation of Cultural Materials from the University of Canberra (2004). She has worked at QAGOMA for two years in the Sculpture Conservation section. She has also held Conservation positions at the State Library of Queensland, and the National Museum of Australia.
Abstract:
Combining traditional and contemporary materials in the construction of sculptural works
This paper examines the variety of materials used in Pacific art collections recently acquired by QAGOMA. Traditional fibres and pigments are now often coupled with modern, synthetic materials. Obtaining information from artists and the local community, and undertaking scientific analysis, allows conservators to make more informed decisions about their future care.
Karen Jacobs – Pecha Kucha
Wednesday 27th March: 16.30 – 16.40
Bio:
Karen Jacobs has worked on international research projects, focusing on West Papua, Polynesian Arts, the Arts of Fiji, and material heritage of British missions in the Pacific. She has been involved in various exhibitions and publications – most recently a book on fibre skirts worn by women in nineteenth century Fiji.
Abstract:
Challenging classifications: a focus on liku (fibre skirts) from nineteenth century Fiji
This paper analyses museum (mis)classifications of liku (fibre skirts) worn by 19th century Fijian women. Liku were exchange items resulting in their abundance in museums where these skirts lost the connection with the female Fijian body, yet still provide a tangible link to the makers and users.
Mike Gunn – Pecha Kucha
Wednesday 27th March: 16.40 – 16.50
Bio:
Previously curator for Oceanic (Pacific) art and archaeology at the Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Saint Louis Art Museum, St Louis; National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Researching art traditions in Pacific region, in particular New Ireland and Polynesia.
Abstract:
The Ambum Stone from Enga, in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea - a link to Rainbow Serpent
The Ambum Stone is well-known as a major work of art, but its original context has remained a mystery. To understand its provenance further, in 2015 I travelled with Steven Enomb Kilanda, who is from the Ambum valley region, to the area where the Ambum Living Stone was found.
Thursday 28th March: 11.00 – 11.20
Bio:
I am originally from Bena District in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, PNG. My parents decided to move into town where our family live in Kama village for more than forty (40) years. My painting career started soon after my father Jakupa Ako died in 1997 while I was still in Goroka High School (now Goroka Secondary School).
Abstract:
Paintings based on traditional way of life in Bena District, Eastern Highland Province and Papua New Guinea (PNG).
I like to give a short talk about my artwork (paintings) and explain my work what is all about. Why most of my paintings are based on traditional culture of my place and Papua New Guinea as a whole. Most importantly to share my traditional culture as well as learning and understanding different people with their cultures.