Embassy of Australia, United States of America’s Post

This month, we shine the Embassy Art spotlight on Sonja Carmichael and Elisa Jane Carmichael. The mother-daughter duo are Quandamooka women from Mulgumpin & Minjerribah (Moreton & North Stradbroke Islands, QLD). They are of the Ngugi people, one of three clans who are traditional custodians of Quandamooka, or Yoolooburrabee, people of sand and sea. Both artists live on Minjerribah, where their collaborative works come to life but can be found in collections internationally. Their inspiration is drawn from many stories connected to Quandamooka weaving, and through exploring traditional and contemporary materials and techniques. Sonja & Elisa often collaborate on fibre basketry sculptures informed by their family’s spiritual connections to Country. Sonja is an active member of their community and a leader in the regeneration of Quandamooka weaving, passing on cultural knowledge and skills through workshops, exhibitions and research. She completed a practice-led Master of Philosophy (Art History) at The University of Queensland, 'Regenerating Quandamooka Weaving: Solving the Knot'. Elisa deepens her practice through new techniques and materials while acknowledging, nurturing, and protecting her culture and the resources of Country. Her unique explorations into contemporary Quandamooka weaving and vivacious use of colour and materials are increasingly more recognised by the industry. For their ancestors, weaving was a way of life. Ungaire (freshwater reed) continues to grow strong in the harsh terrain of swampy areas on their island. The grass strands gracefully shift from variations of white and pink to varying shades of green. Ungaire is the cultural heart of ancestral weaving, traditionally used for making Quandamooka gulayi (dilly bags). Knowledge of Quandamooka weaving practice was nearly lost to colonisation. ‘The Gulayi bag has a unique diagonal design and solving the knot, practically and metaphorically, strengthens the continuous thread that binds us to our Ancestors. When looking at gulayi made in the 1800s, held in museum collections all over, including at the Smithsonian, we think about the stories the bags carry; our Ancestors’ hands rubbing ungaire against their legs; their body oils strongly woven into the design and bag, holding a deep tangible connection to the ever-present hands of our Ancestors.’ Artwork: Ungaire (freshwater reed, Minjerribah - North Stradbroke Island) and Quandamooka Gulayi (Quandamooka dilly bags), 2023 (copper, copper mesh, stainless steel cable) ©Sonja Carmichael and Elisa Jane Carmichael. Courtesy of the artists. This artwork commission was supported by Agency and Onespace Gallery. 1 by Louis Lim, courtesy of artists & Onespace 2-4 by Chris Roque, courtesy of UAP Urban Art Projects More from the artists: https://lnkd.in/ewdUJGVC

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