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Sydney Elders
Sydney Elders
We’re excited to be presenting a new project by Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones, who has collaborated with four Sydney elders — Uncle Chicka, Aunty Esme, Aunty Sandra and Uncle Dennis — to tell a very personal story of Aboriginal Sydney, and how these elders have continued the legacy of their ancestors by actively contributing to and creating Sydney.
Location
State Library of New South Wales
1 Shakespeare Place
Sydney
NSW
2000
Australia
Sydney Elders
We’re excited to be presenting a new project by Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Jonathan Jones, who has collaborated with four Sydney elders — Uncle Chicka, Aunty Esme, Aunty Sandra and Uncle Dennis — to tell a very personal story of Aboriginal Sydney, and how these elders have continued the legacy of their ancestors by actively contributing to and creating Sydney.
"These stories form a beautifully complex web that knits Sydney's landscapes together."
Jonathan Jones
Aunty Esme Timbery is a celebrated Bidjigal artist and elder from the Aborignal mission community of La Perouse on the shores of Botany Bay. Aunty Esme comes from a long line of Timberys and, like her ancestors, is a renowned shellwork artist whose work has been widely collected.
Aunty Esme Timbery
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Aunty Esme Timbery is a celebrated Bidjigal artist and elder from the Aborignal mission community of La Perouse on the shores of Botany Bay. Aunty Esme comes from a long line of Timberys and, like her ancestors, is a renowned shellwork artist whose work has been widely collected.
Uncle Dennis Foley is a Gai-mariagal man from northern Sydney. He spent much of his early years growing up on his gradmother's country on the northern beaches. Uncle Dennis has worked in education and has published a book on his country.
Uncle Dennis Foley
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Uncle Dennis Foley is a Gai-mariagal man from northern Sydney. He spent much of his early years growing up on his gradmother's country on the northern beaches. Uncle Dennis has worked in education and has published a book on his country.
Aunty Sandra Lee is a Dharug elder from Blacktown, where she is an active member of the western Sydney Aboriginal community. Her family is decended from Maria Locke, the first Aboriginal person to marry a European and own property. Aunty Sandra has been involved in many organisations and sits on several boards, constantly pushing for recognition of Dharug people.
Aunty Sandra Lee
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Aunty Sandra Lee is a Dharug elder from Blacktown, where she is an active member of the western Sydney Aboriginal community. Her family is decended from Maria Locke, the first Aboriginal person to marry a European and own property. Aunty Sandra has been involved in many organisations and sits on several boards, constantly pushing for recognition of Dharug people.
Uncle Charles 'Chicka' Madden is from Gadigal country and is a recognised member of the Redfern and inner-city community. Uncle Chicka worked in the construction industry for most of his life, and has been invovled in many organisations including the Aboriginal Medical Service and Redfern All Blacks.
Uncle Charles 'Chicka' Madden
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Uncle Charles 'Chicka' Madden is from Gadigal country and is a recognised member of the Redfern and inner-city community. Uncle Chicka worked in the construction industry for most of his life, and has been invovled in many organisations including the Aboriginal Medical Service and Redfern All Blacks.
Jonathan Jones, Fotini Manikakis (producer) and Justine Kerrigan (cinematographer) on location in Redfern.
Meet the curator
Jonathan Jones
Sydney-based artist and independent curator Jonathan Jones is a member of the Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi nations of south-east Australia. Well known for his site-specific installations that explore Indigenous practices, histories, relationships and ideas, he began his curatorial practice at Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative Ltd in Sydney (2000–02). He has since has researched and curated for various institutions and organisations, often in collaboration with community groups and elders, including recent projects with Kaldor Public Art Projects and the Art Gallery of South Australia. Jones’s work is represented in major public collections throughout Australia and in public collections overseas. He is currently a senior researcher at Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, University of Technology Sydney.
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