With the support of Multicultural Women Victoria, visual artists Leila Ashtiani (Iran), Sofie Dieu (France), Humaira Fayazi (Afghanistan), Abouk Giir (Sudan) and Rahila Zeeshan (Pakistan) present Our Plants, Our Heritage.
Dates
Exhibition: Thursday 12 September to Friday 4 October 2024
Opening Launch: Thursday 12 September 5:30pm – 7:30pm
In this project that sits at the intersection of ecological preservation, decolonisation and transmission of ancestral belief systems, they talk about their tradition and the plants that are sacred to their people. Through textile art, graphic design and photography, the women explore their birth land flora, how it is used in medicine, in ceremonies and in cooking. The artists looked at their plants' intangible qualities such as their sacredness and the emotional affinities their families have with them.
As a refugee or an immigrant, making Australia its adoptive home is a source of joy though it can be very testing. It takes so much to belong, to re-root oneself. Art supports this ongoing process by providing an outlet for self expression, wellbeing and recognition. For Our Plants, Our Heritage, the artists researched how plants can be the perfect metaphor to express the need of finding one's ground, of rooting themselves.
About us
Made of trained artists and self taught artists, our group of five women support each other to grow, blossom. Those with more experience support those who are emerging and in return, they bring a fresh outlook on what art can be. We are first generation Australian artists, born overseas and have known each others since 2019. We regularly collaborate with other multicultural women in the community. In 2023, we exhibited together, the five of us for the first time. Our collaborative work has been displayed locally and internationally.
Artists:
Abouk Giir
IG: @abouk.giir
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Rahila Zeeshan
IG:@rahizart
FB: @Rahila Zeeshan
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Humaira Fayazi
IG:@humairafayaziart
FB:@Humaira Fayazi
Leila Ashtiani
IG:@leila_ashtiani_art
FB:@Leila Ashtiani
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Sofie Dieu
IG:@sofiedieu
FB:@sofiedieu
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Multicultural Women Victoria
IG: @MWV
fb: @m_w_victoria