Mabo's legacy heads up an exciting series of exhibitions at MRAG over summer

Mabo's legacy heads up an exciting series of exhibitions at MRAG over summer

Summer is here and Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) has five new exhibitions opening on Saturday 30 November, showcasing a range of Australian artists and headlined by the important ‘Legacy’ exhibition, a celebration of Eddie Mabo, the man behind the game changing Native Title legislation. ​​​​​

‘Legacy’ brings together a moving exhibition of works in the spirit of reconciliation with more than 20 indigenous and non-indigenous artists responding to Mabo's historic achievement, reflecting reverence, compassion, anger, sadness and respect. Gail Mabo, Eddie's daughter and co-curator of the ‘Legacy’ exhibition, will be a special guest at the exhibition opening on Saturday 30 November. 

We invite you to enter the playful world of Nicola Hensel and John Turier whose creative partnership has produced a steady stream of sculptures, drawings and songs over the past 26 years. ‘Kalliope Calliope’ brings their practices together for the first time and includes a drawing machine, a mechanical parade, giant buttons and maps for the ever renewable heart.  

The intricate interactive illustrations of local artist and comic creator Dale Forward’s ‘Warlock’ invites a 3D exploration of different perspectives, while the ‘SnakeAbout’ exhibition shows the serpentine splendour of Australian reptiles through the detailed lens of Teresa Purnell’s intricate illustrations. The Gallery’s Project Space features ‘Learning to Speak’ sculpted by Hunter based artist Edward Milan who is inspired by a passion for the handmade. 

Gallery Coordinator, Kattie Bugeja says, ‘We live in an incredibly vibrant region and this group of exhibitions exemplifies the sheer scope of creativity and skill throughout the Hunter. A strong contingent of local artists will exhibit alongside nationally acclaimed peers with inspiring results.’ 

‘Help us celebrate the summer season. Meet makers, creators, artists, musicians and performers, as we launch five new exhibitions on Saturday 30 November. Visitors can Meet the Maker in the Gallery Shop, listen to the swamp boogie tunes of Kristen Lee Morris and explore the treasures of the Maitland collection. Come along, bring your family and friends and celebrate the creativity of our region.’ 

MRAG is committed to providing access to all who attend Gallery events and Auslan interpretation will be available at the season celebration. 

Full details of all MRAG activities available at mrag.org.au