Indigenous Youth Share Voice Through Art

The colourful and exciting works by 40 young indigenous artists is on display at the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery following the launch of the Talk Up! Augmented Reality Art Stories exhibition.

The creative works were generated during six arts and media workshops run by University of Southern Queensland (USQ) educators Dr Janice Jones and Dr Lindy Abawi.

The Whaddup Indigenous Youth Group were also assisted by USQ  student volunteers from the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and the Arts (BELA).

Dr Jones said the multimedia art works were a medium for the indigenous artists to share their voice. “Dance, song, visual arts and digital media allow young people to speak in very powerful and creative ways,”

Dr Jones said. “Sharing works like this helps each artist to recognise the uniqueness and the value of their voice. My work as an educator allows me to create spaces for trans-formation â€and that is one of the most important aspects of teaching and voluntary work.”

The Talk Up! Augmented Reality Art Stories exhibition will run until August 9. Elder Dr Herb Wharton and Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio attended the launch and commented on the wonderful uses of digital technologies.

The artworks include films of 20 young people sharing their future dreams, songs and dances through virtual reality overlays. Renowned Indigenous Artist Kim Walmsley installed the display, and offered the Acknowledgement of Country at the launch.

For further information download the Aurasma app and search for “Whaddup” to view the art works.

Submitted by:
Sarah Balderson Green
email: sarah.balderson@usq.edu.au