John Curtin Gallery

17/04/2025

⭐️ 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒!

Step into a creative, dynamic, and fast-paced environment as the Communications and Engagement Coordinator!

This is your chance to bring your passion for storytelling to life while promoting a well-regarded arts institution with exciting exhibitions, programs, and the Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling. You'll lead communication efforts that engage diverse audiences through a mix of traditional and digital media, helping to raise the gallery's profile and create a lasting impact.

Join a supportive, collaborative team that thrives on innovation and flexibility —offering you the freedom to try new ideas and shape your approach to communication. If you're ready to dive into a role with diverse and exciting projects in a flexible, creative setting, this is your moment to shine!

Visit: http://bit.ly/42BxiLm or find on the Seek website.

16/04/2025

LAST DAY Thurs 17 April ✨

Our Perth Festival exhibitions for 2025 will soon come to an end.
It has been a joy and a priviledge to feature the amazing work of Alice Guiness 'Burndud Ground' & Mai Nguyễn-Long 'Doba Nation'

🎁 Looking for a gift? Check out our Gallery Shop while you are here!

Burndud Ground is a and commission and is part of the Boorloo Contemporary Program in partnership with

‘Doba Nation’ is presented with
is represented by

11/04/2025

✨ Our latest Carrolup exhibition, ‘Once Known’ opened to the public last week at the Old Perth Boys’ School at 139 St Georges Terrace as part of the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival.

Curated by former Director Chris Malcolm in consultation with the Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling Reference Group, ‘Once Known’ shares meticulous reproductions from the delicate originals, providing greater accessibility to the artworks in the lead up to the opening of the Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling within the John Curtin Gallery at Curtin University, Bentley campus where the original artworks will be on year-round display from 2026. While hundreds of children were detained at Carrolup, only 17 artists have been attributed to works in the Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artwork. The ‘Once Known’ exhibition is a reminder that each child had a name, a family, and a story.

Open during the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival: 4 – 17 Apr 2025, weekdays 11am – 3pm then reopening to the public Monday 28 Apr. Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am – 4pm (closed Wednesdays and Weekends).

For more information and to see our upcoming events for ‘Once Known’, visit www.curtin.edu.au/jcg/exhibitions/carrolup-once-known/

Photography by Marnie Richardson.

Curtin University Truth-telling

09/04/2025

✨ Mai Nguyễn-Long's large-scale installation 'Doba Nation' features hand-formed clay sculptures that are arranged by the artist on site in a process akin to live storytelling. It has been a joy and privilege to work with Mai and capture this process in motion.

Be sure to visit 'Doba Nation' before it closes, only one week left!

‘Doba Nation’ is presented with Perth Festival
is represented by Michael Reid Sydney

06/04/2025

Join us for a series of events as part of the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival for 'Once Known' at the Old Perth Boys’ School. These events delve into this exhibition featuring the extraordinary artworks created by Aboriginal children taken from their families and detained at the Carrolup Native Settlement in the 1940s.

Truth Talks led by Ron Bradfield Jr and Patricia Ryder.
4 and 11 April 12-1pm.

Curator Tour led by Chris Malcolm.
8 April 3-4pm

Guided Tours led by Patricia Ryder, Ron Bradfield Jr and Lisa Liebetrau.
Tour dates: 7, 15, 17 April 10-11am and 10 April 3-4pm.

To book visit https://events.humanitix.com/host/john-curtin-gallery

Supported By: Lotterywest, BHP, Colgate University, City of Perth, Navigators.

Exhibition open as part of Boorloo Heritage Festival: 4 April - 17 April 2025, then reopening Monday 28 April. For further information or to contact us visit curtin.edu.au/jcg

Image: Once known child artist, 'Teapot', 1946-50, pastel on paper, 17.5 x 24.5 cm. Curtin University Art Collection. The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artwork.

05/04/2025

ONCE KNOWN Curator Tour
8 Apr 2025 3:00pm-4:00pm

Opening for the first time at the Old Perth Boys’ School, Once Known showcases reproductions of the fragile artworks created by Aboriginal children stolen f ...

05/04/2025

ONCE KNOWN Guided Tours
Tour dates: 7, 15, 17 April 10:00am – 11:00am and 10 April 3:00pm – 4:00pm.

Opening for the first time at the Old Perth Boys’ School, Once Known showcases reproductions of the fragile artworks created by Aboriginal children stolen f ...

05/04/2025

ONCE KNOWN Truth Talks
4 and 11 April: 12:00pm – 1:00pm.

Opening for the first time at the Old Perth Boys’ School, Once Known showcases reproductions of the fragile artworks created by Aboriginal children stolen f ...

05/04/2025

05/04/2025

Will also be at our booth located along the Rob Riley Walk. 👋 Come say HI 👋

29/03/2025

Mai Nguyễn-Long
Doba Nation

The clusters of ceramic forms that comprise Doba Nation are humorously defiant. Eyes bulge, mouths expel tongues and vomit, tiny Poo Balls are scattered throughout. Positioned on travel crates, repurposed as plinths, there is a sense of things being impermanent, unstable or on the move. This is a ramshackle chorus of rejected selves, claiming space and community.

Mai Nguyễn-Long’s cylindrical forms are inspired by post-Vietnam War bomb shell casings that some residents of rural Vietnam have repurposed for practical use. Other disturbing connections to war have also found their way into her work – the striking orange of her Vomit Girl figures alludes to the notorious use of the defoliant ‘Agent Orange’ by US forces. These characteristic figures seem to be evolving into increasingly complex, rhythmic forms with holes, prongs and looping appendages jostling over the surface. Other slip painted forms appear to be in the process of transformation or disintegration. Tubular shapes reach out, holes searching like blind mouths or nostrils. At times complete faces are represented; their diversely stumpy, mutating shapes a reminder of Vomit Girl’s genesis. There is a clear evolution here that suggests an eventual reunification of lost parts. This transformative aspect underpinsa provocative complexity to Mai Nguyễn-Long’s work that is deeply compelling.

Lia McKnight, Curator

Only a few weeks left! Exhibition ends 17 Apr.
For more information, visit curtin.edu.au/jcg

‘Doba Nation’ is presented with Perth Festival
is represented by

📸 Portrait by Ezra Alcantra. Installation views by John Curtin Gallery.
Images 3 & 6: Doba Nation (details), 2023. Photos by Daniel Soma, courtesy of the artist and Michael Reid Sydney + Berlin.

28/03/2025

Alice Guiness
Burndud Ground

The Burndud ceremony is a special and unique cultural obligation where each member of Yindjibarndi must attend and participate . . . It also reminds us that there is a harmony within our lives that incorporates all living things on Ngurra (country).

As we see Mum Alice paint the Burndud, we are reminded of her personal ability and her everyday challenges she faces to communicate her feelings and what drives her to make the Burndud her main piece and focus when doing her artwork.

I have learnt over the years that her Burndud depictions are deep messages of what she sees as important things in our lives – Ceremony, Family, Galharra, Ngurra and the Songs . . . Through art she is teaching us the true meaning of balancing our two worlds.

Art is her nourishment; she communicates through it. Art is a human creativity. And it matters when we want to make sense of life. Mum Alice is desperately helping us to make sense of her life, she is telling us her story . . . When we start to listen to each other, that’s when the healing happens.

Lorraine Coppin
Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation
Excerpt from a catalogue essay, January 2025

Only a few weeks left! Exhibition ends 17 Apr.
For more information, visit curtin.edu.au/jcg

Burndud Ground is a Perth Festival and Juluwarlu Art Group commission and is part of the Boorloo Contemporary Program in partnership with Wesfarmers Arts

📸 Portrait by Marnie Richardson, courtesy of Perth Festival. Installation views by John Curtin Gallery.

21/03/2025

‘Once Known’: A landmark exhibition sharing the truth of the Stolen Generations

John Curtin Gallery brings 'Once Known' to the Old Perth Boys’ School for the first time as part of the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see the extraordinary artworks created by Aboriginal children forcibly taken from their families and detained at the Carrolup Native Settlement in the 1940s.

Media release link below for further information.

John Curtin Gallery brings Once Known to the Old Perth Boys’ School for the first time as part of the Lotterywest Boorloo Heritage Festival. This exhibition ...

21/03/2025

https://events.humanitix.com/afterschool-storytelling-sessions

Get tickets on Humanitix - After School Storytelling Sessions. John Curtin Gallery. Dates from Wednesday 26th February 2025. Find event information.

14/03/2025

☀️SUNDAY 16 March 11am - 12:30pm
🎧AUDIO DESCRIBED EXHIBITION TOUR

Join audio describer Richard Green for a guided exploration of two captivating exhibitions, this tour is designed specifically for visually impaired visitors.

In a relaxed and welcoming setting, Richard will provide in-depth verbal descriptions of key artworks, conveying their shapes, textures, colours, and compositions. Through expressive storytelling and sensory-rich language, he will bring the artworks to life

This interactive tour encourages questions and discussion, creating a shared experience where you can engage with the art beyond sight. Whether you’re a regular gallery visitor or new to audio-described tours, this is an opportunity to connect with the exhibitions in a meaningful and immersive way.

The tour will be conducted for JCG’s Perth Festival Exhibitions 'Burndud Ground' and 'Doba Nation'. Visit our exhibitions page for more information

Spaces for this event are limited, if the morning session is sold out, please join the waiting list at our registration link and a second session on this day can be arranged in the afternoon. Book through our website www.curtin.edu.au/jcg/events/audio-described-exhibition-tour/

This audio described tour is suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by a guardian.

FREE EVENT

This event is supported by Perth Festival. Perth Festival

10/03/2025

🔶 Fri 14 Mar, 12-2pm
SKIN IN THE GAME Panel Discussion: Displacement

This discussion explores themes of displacement, diasporic communities, finding your place and a sense of belonging.

What does it mean to survive colonisation, war, occupation, another culture or countries laws and generational change?

What does it feel like to live in your parents, grandparents or ancestors memories of a time and a place. Memories that now seem far removed from the time you live in now?

Please join our guests; Whadjuk Noongar and Associate Lecturer Anthony Kickett, Professor Kit Messham-Muir, Artists Dr Maria Maderia and Olga Cironis – as they discuss the difficulties of “Belonging” in a time or society that doesn’t see a place for you, or a government that has rewritten your past.

Facilitated by Ron Bradfield Jr

This is a free event and light refreshments will be provided.

For more information and to book, visit curtin.edu.au/jcg
Perth Festival Ron Bradfield Jnr Centre for Aboriginal Studies Curtin University
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Image: Mai Nguyễn-Long Doba Nation installation view. Photo by Sharon Baker.

07/03/2025

⭐️ Wednesday 👉 12, 26 March & 9 April, 4-5pm
AFTER SCHOOL STORY TELLING SESSIONS

Join us for a special storytelling series featuring Yindjibarndi Creation Stories from Juluwarlu’s storybooks.

Connect with Yindjibarndi storytelling traditions facilitated by JCG’s Education Coordinator, Dr. Neeti Sethi. These readings from 'Ngurra Nyujunggamu – When the World Was Soft – Yindjibarndi Creation Stories' are followed by fun, hands-on creative activities and games inspired by the stories.

Open to all ages and no artistic skills needed, just bring your imagination!
FREE EVENT

For more information, check out our webite curtin.edu.au/jcg

Be sure to check out our other upcoming events 👇

⭐️ Friday 14 Mar 12-2pm
SKIN IN THE GAME: PANEL DISCUSSION
What does it mean to survive colonisation, war, occupation, another culture or countries laws and generational change? See our website for more information.

⭐️ Sunday 16 March 11am-12:30pm
AUDIO DESCRIBED TOUR
Join us for a guided exploration of two captivating exhibitions specifically designed for visually impaired visitors. Spaces limited – please book via our website.

🖼️ Alice Guiness, 'Burndud Ground', 2024, acrylic on canvas

02/03/2025

The A M A Z I N G Alice 🙌
Thanks 🙏 NITV
Juluwarlu Art Group

Guurruu Alice Guiness paints what she sees as important: ceremony, family, Galharra (Kinship), Ngurra (Country) and Songs. READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4hiSFXR