Join The Commute artist Carol McGregor for an evening of talks, demonstrations and hands-on making centred around the tradition of possum skin cloaks.
McGregor (Wathaurung, Scottish) revives the traditional possum skin cloak as an art form, and as a way to strengthen community and individual identities. Her new work Skin Country (2018) is featured the IMA’s current exhibition, The Commute, and details the Indigenous plant species used by Aboriginal communities in Greater Brisbane. It is inspired by Bruce Pascoe’s research in the book Dark Emu: Black Seeds: agriculture or accident?
Design and create your own wristbands from ethically sourced possum skin. Gain insight into the significance of these materials and traditional techniques with McGregor and Taungwurrung-Yorta Yorta artist Glennys Briggs. Then learn about the diverse applications of native plant species, including many depicted in Skin Country, with a bush tucker talk with Uncle Joe Kirk.
Refreshments of lemon myrtle tea and shortbread will be provided.
All are welcome to this free event.
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Carol McGregor
Aboriginal artist Carol McGregor works across multiple disciplines with materials including ephemeral natural fibres, metal, and paper. McGregor explores this rich cultural identity of diverse ancestry and lived experience, adapting to and embracing new technologies to reclaim and connect to cultural expression. McGregor worked together with Glennys Briggs on the Art of the Skins, a cloak making project and exhibition presented at the State Library of Queensland in 2016.
