Nginhagu: Belonging to this Place

Nginhagu: Belonging to this Place was an exhibition of work created by students from Glenroy Public School, Culcairn Primary School, Wewak Street School, Albury Public School, and Hume Public School, as a part of the Home arts and language education program.

The Home program is a partnership between The Arts Unit, NSW Department of Education and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, in association with Murray Art Museum Albury.

Key works in the exhibition were the result of a workshop with Wiradjuri artist Lorraine Connelly-Northey.

Students created sculptures of Gugabul (Codfish) using sticks, gum leaves, bark, wire, and twine. Within the fish, students created a structure that resembled a tree. This traditional pattern communicated the relationship between the fish and the native river gums that line the Murray river. In choosing materials such as sticks, leaves, and bark, the tree is further integrated with the fish, enhancing their connection.

The addition of yellow baling twine added an agricultural thread, representing the modern human impact on the river system.
The program supported students to learn about nationally recognised Wiradjuri artists. It also provided them with opportunities to engage with local arts, language, and culture.

Dr Pettina Love led Wiradjuri Language lessons, and students explored the works of Jonathan Jones, Tommy McRae, and Lorraine Connelly-Northey, through the MAMA collection and the Home education resource.

Students also enjoyed a virtual art making lesson with Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie, facilitated by the Art Gallery of NSW

The Home Program is offered to schools in the Wiradjuri language area.