Reviews don’t usually open with congratulations. Congratulations are entirely in order though for the just launched “Our Land is Alive. Hermannsberg Potters for Kids” exhibition. Congratulations to the National Gallery of Victoria and the Hermannsberg Potters for an exhibition that so successfully combines two Australian icons – Aboriginal culture and AFL football.
“Our Land is Alive. Hermannsberg Potters for Kids” is the work of the Hermannsberg potters, a group of central Australian Aboriginal artists. They have created a series of pots, painted as a tribute to Indigenous footballers and AFL. On display are 20 pots, each depicting a different Indigenous Australian footballer, with every team in the league represented.
I am frequently on the lookout for positive experiences that will expose my children to Australia’s Indigenous people and culture. As kids living in Melbourne the reality is that age appropriate opportunities to engage with Australia’s Indigenous heritage can be difficult to find. The strength of this particular art exhibition is that it is vibrant, contemporary and captures the excitement of AFL celebrated by so many Melbourne kids.
As well as the pots the exhibition displays images of the Hermannsberg artists and central Australia, with prominent AFL imagery permeating the experience.
“Our Land is Alive. Hermannsberg Potters for Kids” is hands on, children are invited to decorate their own pot to take home. Visitors should also expect the opportunity to meet one of the lovely lady Hermannsberg potters as the artists are in residence.
My little one decorating her own pot
Live in or visiting Melbourne with kids that love AFL? Take the opportunity to expose them to Aboriginal Australia in this perfect marriage of art and sport.
“Our Land is Alive. Hermansberg Potters for Kids” is open at the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square till April 16 and is free. The hands on activities will be available every day from 10am-3pm although the exhibition is open till 5pm.
You may also be interested in “A parent’s take on the Adam Goodes saga” and “Why I am sharing Indigenous Australia with my kids.”
Disclaimer: We were invited to attend the opening of this exhibition.
