Bathurst Regional Gallery presents major exhibitions curated by Wiradyuri/Kamilaroi curator Jonathan Jones with Aunty Leanna Carr. The exhibition is a part of the Dhuluny Project - a series of events commemorating the 200 year anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Bathurst region and the ensuing frontier violence.

Jamie-Lea’s work: budhangbu gidharrabu (blak gold)

Created from the only true black clay made in Australia these ceramic works speak to tones and forms of traditional clay ovens used by our Ancestors to bring families together.

Gold lustre is made of real gold suspended in a liquid medium applied to the glazed ceramic piece and goes through a third firing where the metal reacts and is made visible. The technique of gold lustred ceramics became popular after the gold rush. Nuggets and dust were mined and sold to create these luxurious items that reflected the colony’s new-found prosperity. Gold lustred ceramics reflect a society shaped by colonialism, where wealth derived from mining and agriculture funded the acquisition of luxury goods. Gold lustre on ceramics, in this case symbolises both the opulence of the coloniser and the adaptation of Indigenous artistic practices and materials.

These treasured pieces serve to understand the complex dynamics between settlers and Aboriginal populations. Just as gold was taken and treasured so too must the bold and brave authentic nature of sharing our stories be treasured and held as a prize possession.