15 NOVEMBER - 16 DECEMBER 2023
FRONT, BACK, AND FELTDARK

COLLEEN RAVEN STRANGWAYS
UV SONGLINES: ILLUMINATING ANCESTRAL ROOTS

As a proud Arabana, Mudbura, Gurindji and Warlpiri woman, Colleen Raven Strangways’ photography is infused with a spirit of activism and acknowledgement, sparked by her relationship with courageous First Nations women and her trailblazing father. Colleen Strangways has a strong drive to take photos of Aboriginal culture and tell the positive stories of the strength and beauty she sees in her community. Her portraits are an energising force and a counterpoint to the photos we are accustomed to seeing in magazines and newspapers, showing Aboriginal people in despair. Her new series will illuminate and immerse visitors in the stories and songlines of First Nations elders as ‘knowledge holders’. By revealing a feeling of their connectedness, movement and spirituality, Strangways enhances the pivotal role of culture in our society.

“I would like to give my thanks and gratitude to my team Keisha Weetra and Zane Weetra who assisted and used their creative endeavours to help make this series of works and to my models who trusted in my creative ideas and sat for me for hours to allow me to paint their story on their skin. And lastly, my family and community, without them, I would not have the strong cultural strength and knowledge of our kinship, language, and stories to put into these artworks. It's the deep connection to our roots and the ongoing support and encouragement that fuel my artistic journey. Together, we celebrate the preservation and sharing of our cultural heritage, and I am profoundly grateful for the love and inspiration. Ngurku.”

This project is supported by Tarnanthi Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art in partnership with Ballarat International Foto Biennale.

FELTspace is kindly supported by Arts South Australia.