Marlbatharndu Wanggagu - Once Upon a time in the West

Marlbatharndu Wanggagu - Once Upon a time in the West with FORM focused on Aboriginal participation in the pastoral industry to coincide with the June 2015 renewal of 100 year pastoral leases across Australia. This was a poignant time to reflect upon the country’s shared pastoral heritage in collaboration with: Wangka Maya, IBN Corporation, AIATSIS, Claire Martin (Artist), Reko Rennie (Artist), Jestonorama (Artist), Andrew Dowding (Anthropologist), Lorraine Injie (Lore and Culture Officer)and Yinhawangka, Banyjima and Nyiyaparli elders and community.

Marlbatharndu Wanggagu emerged as a participatory and collaborative platform for sharing Indigenous heritage, voices and experiences developed with Indigenous governance. It was a social process, curatorial and editorial project, community event, intercultural exchange and an exhibition. The project sought to re-address the ongoing Indigenous struggle for recognition with a focus on an industry and era that has significance in relation to recent Australian history.

The project introduced the possibilities of contemporary art practice and intercultural connections through engaging the Kamiliroi artist Reko Rennie, whose work in the show was acquired by National Gallery of Australia and Museum of Western Australia.

The outcomes of the project launched in South Hedland Square with a community event that included a temporary exhibition, jaawi singers, and an Indigenous country and western band. The mostly Indigenous audience said they felt ‘inspired’ ‘proud’ and ‘moved’. Marlbatharndu Wanggagu was then exhibited in Perth to catalyse a critical reflection with the past and our shared heritage.

A full colour 214 page catalogue featured oral histories, archival photographs and artwork with essays by Dr Maryanne Jebb, and Jolly Read can be viewed here. It was shortlisted for the MAPDA award.

Editorial Project
Marlbatharndu Wanggagu- Once Upon a Time in the West Co-Editor/Essayist with essays Dr Maryanne Jebb; Jolly Read; Julia Fournier and Reko Rennie interview.