First Nations Arts Program 2024

Paying homage to the peoples that resided on these lands thousands of years before, the 25 Martin Place First Nations Arts Program is proud to partner with celebrated artist Dennis Golding.

Golding unearths the story of ‘white clay’ in his curated series Drawing from Gadigal.

 

Found beneath the streets and buildings of modern Sydney and that which 25 Martin Place resides, white clay has been used for thousands of years by the Aboriginal people. Synonymous with their art, medicine and vibrant ceremonies.  Encapsulating the layered tapestry of sea life, coastal lines, rivers and water currents in Sydney Harbour and surrounding waterways of Gadigal, each element of the work is hand drawn by Golding in ‘white clay’. Country and plant life are also depicted with leaves, bark and stone flints referencing the tools used by First Nations people.

 

Pop-up art installations of ‘Drawing from Gadigal’ will feature throughout the centre for the next 12 months.

 

25 Martin Place would like to thank Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative for facilitating this partnership. In the languages of the Bundjalung, Gamilaroi and Wiradjuri, Boomalli means to strike; to make a mark. As the longest running Aboriginal owned and run arts organisation, Boomalli is dedicated to supporting and mentoring new and emerging artists, hosting regular exhibits at their gallery, studio and retail space in Leichhardt, Sydney.