What's on in the Collection Study Room: Wira to Djara

From the Collection: Wira to Djara

This collection display is titled Wira to Djara.

Wira to Djara brings together creative practices that demonstrate the centrality of Kin, Country and Community, and the importance of relationality to First Nations knowledge systems and belongings. The featured artworks represent the concept of what it means to ‘return’ continually and across generations.

The process of ‘returning’ for many First Peoples is complex, due to forced displacement and the multiple experiences and contexts that colonisation has had on storytelling and cultural continuity. Together, these artworks pay homage to the histories of place characterised by strength, story and connection to Land and Country. A testimony to generations of survival, this collection also celebrates what is, and always will be.

This collection study room display is an intern-led project by proud Ngugi Woman, Braelyn Rolfe-Chase, Blaklash Curatorial Intern, and was guided by the knowledge and unwavering strength of her Quandamooka peoples and Ancestors.

Wira (return) in Gowa and Djara (Land, Country) in Jandai, language of the Quandamooka region. Language resource: Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation’s Jandai Language Dictionary (2011).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be advised that this hang contains images and names of deceased persons. 

About the UQ Art Collection:  

The University of Queensland Art Collection is one of Queensland’s most significant, developed over 70 years, and featuring more than 4,400 works of art. The work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists is a key collecting area for the UQ Art Collection, which focuses on the acquisition of art that engages with new and diverse knowledges.  

Wira to Djara will be open from 1.30pm-3.00pm every Friday on Level 3 of the Art Museum in the Collection Study Room. Drop in and discuss the works with UQ Art Museum’s cultural mediation staff. 

Information for academic staff and researchers

Learning through art is important to us as a university art museum. Stepping out of the traditional classroom setting and using artworks as a learning tool can be greatly beneficial and spark alternate ways of thinking through important ideas.

The works on display in the Collection Study Room can be carefully chosen and arranged to cater to specific learning experiences, teaching activities and research topics. Working closely with Art Museum staff to choose works that relate to your discipline will ensure that students can get the most out of their experience in the room.

Contact us to discuss your options for using the Collection Study Room to support your learning and teaching initiatives.