Stitching The Sea

Stitching The Sea focuses on the storytelling tradition and narratives that are contained within the various weaving practices of local Pacific communities. Traditional artworks appear humble but contain social, spiritual and cultural importance, and are exchanged during ceremonies marking key personal and public events. Artists working in a wide range of disciplines have responded to traditional objects in the Pacific Collection of the Australian Museum and collaborated with groups in the Blacktown region. The process of exchange has culminated in new artworks on display for the first time, which demonstrate the various linkages between traditional and contemporary artistic practices. Seve Faleupolu Gooding is a Sydney-based weaver of Samoan heritage whose work is drawn from the traditional practices of her people. Polu will be running weaving workshops with the local Pacifi c community and creating new work for exhibition.

Seve Faleupolu Gooding, Sione Falemaka, Greg Semu, Angela Tiatia, Julie Wharerau, Samoan Senior Citizens, Pearls of the Pacific, Mount Druitt Tongan Tapa Makers, Maori Weavers

Co-curated by Keren Ruki in partnership with the Australian Museum

17 July – 6 September

Blacktown Arts Centre, NSW