Five First Nations artists will reveal the richness and diversity of their living and evolving culture at Kate Owen Gallery this April in the East Coast Matters exhibition.
The exhibition, opening 15 April, will give visitors a unique opportunity to learn, connect and reconnect with the rich living Aboriginal cultures on the East Coast of Australia.
The exhibition is part of Kate Owen Gallery's ongoing commitment to raise the profile of Aboriginal art from the East Coast and that local cultural identity is celebrated.
Artists Goompi Ugerabah, Dhinawan Baker, Ethan James Kotiau, Stephen Berger and Tony Sorby will feature their work.
Ethan James Kotiau noted: "There is a lot of talent on the East Coast where we are seeing Aboriginal art evolve in style. Artists are shedding light on new matters relating to culture, history and sociology. This exhibition is important because it not only shares culture but will be integral in its preservation."
Artists have expressed their culture in both traditional and contemporary ways, honouring the past, celebrating the present and securing the future.
To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, there will be a special performance by Bundjalung Kunjiel - a world travelled troupe presenting culture through tribal song and dance.
Goompi Ugerabah said the exhibition is important because it showcases stories from each artists' region.
"Having exhibitions in big galleries like Kate Owen Gallery helps boost the artist's profiles which inspires others in the community."
Dhinawan Baker said to be part of East Coast Matters "means a lot to me".
"I've loved the gallery since I first walked into it. And now to be a part of an exhibition is one of those life goal moments I can tick off the list."
Stephen Berger said: "This exhibition is important to me because it gets my artwork out there and people get to see my beautiful art and hope it leads to bigger things and more exhibitions."
Mr Kotiau said exhibitions such as East Coast Matters are vital to get us all closer to the full story.
"The jigsaw puzzle would be incomplete, we would only have a partial picture of Indigenous Australia.
"It's clear that certain areas of Australia fill a more prominent area of that "picture". It's clear that certain areas of Australia fill a more prominent area of that "picture" and sadly some pieces of the puzzle have been lost or yet to be found.
"To understand and learn about Indigenous Australia, to discern and see the full picture we have to include as many pieces as possible - that includes the East coast."
Kate Owen Gallery has brought Aboriginal art and culture to the world since 2007 and the gallery in Sydney's Inner West showcases major exhibitions of established Indigenous masters and exciting new talent.
The gallery is a proud member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia (AAAA).
East Coast Matters will run from Saturday 15 April until Sunday 14 May. The opening Event to take place on Saturday 15 April at 3pm, with a Dance Troupe and Digeridoo Performance in the gallery.
Artists represented come from the Gurreng Gurreng, Gunggarri, Iningai, Kamilaroi, and Kombumerri Nations, and all artworks will be available to purchase.
The gallery is open seven days, 10am-6pm, and the exhibition will also be available online.
