JUST BENEATH THE SURFACE

Just Beneath the Surface, presented by Artbank in Melbourne, aligns two recent works that reimagine the ocean and ghost nets, including Lharagula Ngididin (Crocodile Trap), a woven sculpture by eight Numburindi artists that was acquired by Artbank in 2023.

Both works respond to ghost nets and ocean plastics more broadly, which gather and pollute the beaches across the top end of Australia, and critically engage with the issue of climate change from the viewpoint of First Nations voices. Each work also asserts the ongoing impact of cultural life affected by external forces, and the strength and resilience of the artists and their communities in shaping the future.

Just Beneath the Surface
1 August - 20 September 2024
Artbank, 18-24 Down Street, Collingwood VIC

Pictured right: Lharagula Ngididin (Crocodile Trap) 2022 by Rose Wilfred, Joy Wilfred, Megan Wilfred, Virginia Wilfred, Jangu Nundhirribala, May Wilfred, Jocelyn Wilfred and Nicola Wilfred.

Pictured left: still from a collaborative film by Jimmy John Thaiday and Keiran James, also titled Just Beneath the Surface.

📷 Installation view, Just Beneath the Surface, Artbank Melbourne Project Space, Photo: Christian Capurro