Deakin Art Gallery welcomes Boneta-Maria Mabo: Immersed

A Deakin University alumna and granddaughter of late activist Eddie Koiki Mabo, Boneta-Marie Mabo is presenting her first solo exhibition in Melbourne featuring portraits of First Nations women resisting patriarchal colonialism, titled Immersed.

Mabo, who is as a Reconnect Worker within the Brisbane-based Crucial Connections Program at Sisters Inside, said the series of portraits offered a glimpse of individual resistance, power and beauty.

"Unashamed and unapologetic, this collection invites you to see First Nations women as we see ourselves," she said.

"First Nations women are over-represented in systems of control. Our lives are treated as an inconvenience to white society. Our existence unsettles white Australia because it is a reminder that First Nations people are still here, that sovereignty was never ceded.

"Even though we are surrounded by ugliness, we immerse ourselves in the fight for equality and justice."

Immersed will launch this Wednesday 30 May at the Deakin University Art Gallery at Melbourne Burwood campus, running until 13 July.

Mabo will be joined 1 June by National Gallery of Victoria Senior Curator of Indigenous Art Judith Ryan AM and former Deakin Institute of Koorie Education design lecturer Dr Jenny Murray-Jones to discuss the works at a special In Conversation session.

Deakin University Downtown Gallery will also host the No Turning Back: Artworks from The Torch exhibition from Monday 28 May to Friday 20 July, showcasing artwork developed by Indigenous inmates and parolees as part of the Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program.

The Torch supports current and former Indigenous offenders in Victoria by offering opportunities to create new pathways through art and culture and reduce recidivism. The Torch Chief Executive Officer Kent Morris will take two exhibition tours Wednesday 30 May at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Entry to both exhibitions, tours and the In Conversation event is free. Visit deakin.edu.au/art-collection/ or contact 03 9244 5344 or artgallery@deakin.edu.au for more details.