The exhibition ‘Future Memorials’ is currently showing at the TarraWarra Museum of Art until 9th February. The exhibition has been developed by Sydney-based Wiradjuri-Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones and Melbourne-based non-Aboriginal artist Tom Nicholson in collaboration with senior Wurundjeri Elder Prof. Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy AO.

The exhibition stems from the proximity of TWMA to the site of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, which occupied almost 5000 acres along the Yarra River between 1863 and 1924. The exhibition opened in 2013, the 150th anniversary year of the founding or Coranderrk, one of the most significant sites of Koorie history in Victoria.

The exhibition was commissioned by TWMA and developed inclose consultation with the Coranderrk’s Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation and other important figures in the Wurdundjeri story from the Yarra Valley area.

Tom Nicholson’s Towards a Monument to Batman’s Treaty incorporates thousands of bricks and over 100 wall plaques in an exploration of the history of Coranderrk and pioneer John Batman’s highly contentious land treaty document which he claimed to have negotiated with the Wurundjeri in 1835. Jonathan Jones’ yellow light-based work untitled (shield design) inspired by the diamond pattern carved on the great Wurundjeri Ngurungaeta (leader) William Barak’s historical 1897 parrying shield and his prediction that he would pass away when the wattle bloomed.

For more details and opening hours see the TWMA website http://twma.com.au/exhibitions/event/future-memorials-jonathan-jones-tom-nicholson-and-aunty-joy-wandin-murphy/