JOURNEY INTO PAST AND FUTURE AT PARLIAMENT EXHIBITION

Rising Indigenous artist Juanita McLauchlan is looking seven generations into the past and the future, in a major new exhibition to open at Parliament House in Sydney this month. 

Standing at the Heart of Seven Generations is an exploration of the meeting of cultures and how the past should shape the future. 

The solo exhibition features large scale sculptural necklaces, made from woollen blankets and possum skins, as well as large eco-printed blankets marked by direct contact with branches, bark and leaves from local trees and shrubs around Wagga Wagga. 

An artist of Gamilaraay descent living on Wiradjuri Country, Ms McLauchlan’s works are built upon an understanding that our history, inheritances, loves and relationships are shaped by Country and by family. 

“The woollen blankets represent European colonisation but also the possum skins combine European and Aboriginal cultures to create garments we can wear as one, which is something I hope people can relate to,” she said. 

"The theme of seven generations comes from First Nations cultures – not just in Australia but around the word – with the idea that we leave resources and knowledges for future generations to benefit and learn from. 

“Of course, our children come after us, but we are the leaders and shapers so it’s like planting a tree now that people will enjoy for the next seven generations.” 

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr McGirr, who facilitated the exhibition at parliament, said it was a great opportunity to showcase the work of one of the Riverina’s best artists. 

“I’m honoured to have been able to help Juanita tell this remarkable story to a big audience at parliament,” he said. 

“It’s a wonderful celebration of Indigenous culture and how that relates to improving reconciliation in the years ahead by learning from the present and past. 

“I urge Sydneysiders and visitors to make time to visit parliament next month to enjoy and learn from Juanita’s exploration of themes important to all of us, regardless of our cultural heritage.” 

Highly acclaimed for her works, Ms McLauchlan is a rising star in the arts community, with the new exhibition following her recent appointment as an artist-in-residence at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. 

“I’m nervous but excited to think of all the people who will see my exhibition in Parliament House,” she said. 

“I hope it shows that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, it’s important to show respect to everyone.” 

Standing at the Heart of Seven Generations can be seen at parliament’s Fountain Court from 2 April to 29 April.