By Biennale of Sydney
22nd Biennale of Sydney: NIRIN
Dhaagun (earth) (2020) by Charlotte AllinghamBiennale of Sydney
The origins of NIRIN
NIRIN - is an artist and First Nations-led Biennale, presenting an expansive exhibition of contemporary art that connects local communities and global networks.
Meaning edge, NIRIN is a word from Artistic Director Brook Andrew’s mother’s Nation, the Wiradjuri people of western New South Wales (Australia).
First Nations languages are used throughout the Biennale to highlight the urgency of reviving and sustaining the future of language diversity.
There are seven themes that inspire NIRIN and each of these are described in Wiradjuri language
Ngawaal-Guyungan (powerful ideas) (2020) by Charlotte AllinghamBiennale of Sydney
Muriguwal Giiland (‘different stories’)
The first theme Muriguwal Giiland is reflected through the shared stories and voices of the local and global community of artists.
These works are testament to the ways that artists can layer historical narratives and challenge dominant positions, telling stories through diverse materials and the blurring of history, fiction and time.
The remaining six themes were commissioned into artworks for NIRIN by Wiradjuri woman artist Charlotte Allingham
Bila (‘river’: environment)
A focus on our own physical environment, as well as the changing environments of our local and global communities.
Explore Tony Albert's artwork 'Healing Land, Remembering Country' with information on Aboriginal Land Management.
Gurray (‘transformation’)
Transformation as a tool for change, shifting our experiences through the voices and perspectives of the artists.
Watch 'Karla Dickens, A Dickensian Circus - Artwork Highlight' video to see how the post-colonial vestibule of the Art Gallery of New South Wales was transformed.
Ngawal-Guyungan (‘powerful ideas’: the power of objects)
Creating spaces for artists and audiences to connect, collaborate and express powerful ideas.
Watch the interview with Nicholas Galanin where he explores the powerful ideas behind his work, 'Shadow on the Land', an excavation and bush burial of the shadow cast by the Captain Cook statue in Sydney's Hyde Park.
Dhaagun (‘earth’: sovereignty and working together)
Connecting and collaborating with the global community.
Read the #NIRINatHome Learning Resource about the collaboration place between BE. and Noakes Group to create the NIRIN Haiveta - a sailing vessel to reactivate the memory of women’s tattoo practice outlawed through colonisation.
Yirawy-Dhuray (‘yam-connection’: food)
Cooking together from kitchens all around the world, through recipes shared by artists and community leaders.
Cook Simple Lentils and Dhal from this #NIRINatHome recipe shared by Jiva Parthipan from STARTTS (NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors) and focusing on the idea of place.
Bagaray-Bang (‘healing’)
In speaking with the ghosts of many pasts, provide a space for considering together how we heal and what comes next.
Make Paper Flowers as an act of remembering and healing in this #NIRINatHome activity inspired by Pedro Wonaeamirri.
About the Artist
Charlotte Allingham
Born 1993 in Moruya, Australia
Lives and works in Naarm / Melbourne, Australia
Charlotte Allingham is a Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa woman from New South Wales, with family ties to Condobolin and Ivanhoe. She currently lives in Naarm, creating illustrations about her culture and identity, and the impacts of colonisation. More of her illustrations can be found on her Instagram account @coffinbirth
