Cover photo by Laura Deakin
Sharn was selected as a participant for the inaugural Koorie Heritage Trust's Blak Design program, focusing on contemporary jewellery in 2021. This program supported 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, craftspeople and designers living in Victoria with targeted professional development and mentoring. Blak Design culminated in an exhibition of work participants created during the program. Blak Jewellery: Finding Past Linking Present will be exhibiting at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square Melbourne. Opening on 4/9/2021 and closing 27/2/2022, proudly as a part of the Radiant Pavilion Melbourne Contemporary Jewellery and Object Biennial.
Sharn was selected as a participant for the inaugural Koorie Heritage Trust's Blak Design program, focusing on contemporary jewellery in 2021. This program supported 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, craftspeople and designers living in Victoria with targeted professional development and mentoring. Blak Design culminated in an exhibition of work participants created during the program. Blak Jewellery: Finding Past Linking Present will be exhibiting at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square Melbourne. Opening on 4/9/2021 and closing 27/2/2022, proudly as a part of the Radiant Pavilion Melbourne Contemporary Jewellery and Object Biennial.
Artist Statement:
In my work, Donnelly Preservation, I have been inspired by my mother's family photograph. My Great Gran Irene had thirteen children. Upon the passing of my Grandmother she also took in my mum Monica, Aunties Stephanie and Pamela, Uncle Dallas, and their cousin Irene. Gran wanted to make sure they had the best opportunities in life, which was more than she ever had growing up.
For as long as I can remember, this photo of the five Donnelly children has been in my life. Recently, at a family gathering, my Uncle asked me if I knew why they were all “dressed like that”. Gran wouldn’t let the kids leave the house unless they had washed faces, brushed hair and clean clothes. Every Sunday they had to polish their school shoes. In this photo they are at the Grafton Show, wearing their new outfits, made for them by their Aunt. Blending in by being well presented and looking like everyone else, there was less of a chance that the Donnelly children would stand out and be taken away from their family. This was my family's protection - our survival method. It worked, because they are all still together today. Gran gave them the best opportunities in life, and this upbringing was passed onto me, my brother, and our cousins.
In my work, I have chosen to replicate collars and fashion from the clothes in the photograph, and from the era it was taken in, the 1960s. I have used silver, elastic, plastic and shell buttons. These materials can blend into the background, just like my family did in that photo. I want the audience to recall their own memories, and evoke a realisation that maybe the Mandarin collar on their own white blouse wasn’t worn as protection.
Irene, Stephanie, Dallas, Monica & Pamela Donnelly. Taken mid to late 60s at the Grafton Show.
Preservation 1. Silver with plastic buttons. Photo by Fred Kroh, August 2021.
Preservation 2. Silver with shell buttons. Photo by Fred Kroh, August 2021.
Preservation 3. Silver with plastic buttons. Photo by Fred Kroh, August 2021.
