The Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery is proud to host We Were Just Little Boys, a profoundly moving exhibition by Indigenous artist Tace Stevens. This compelling showcase provides an intimate window into a dark chapter of Australia’s history, capturing the resilience and stories of survivors of the Kinchela Aboriginal Boys’ Training ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾.
Through hauntingly evocative photographs and a poignant documentary, We Were Just Little Boys brings to life the experiences of the Uncles—men who survived the traumatic years at Kinchela Boys ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾.
Stevens juxtaposes contemporary portraits of the Uncles, captured on the grounds of the home, with archival images that once painted an incomplete picture of its history.
The exhibition not only commemorates the 100-year mark since the establishment of the home in 1924 but also sheds light on the survivors’ strength, vulnerability, and journey toward healing through their stories.
Stevens is a Sydney-based artist renowned for her raw and authentic approach to photography and film. As an Indigenous woman, her art is deeply personal, rooted in exploring identity and human connections.
In 2023, Stevens was awarded a prestigious photography grant by the Magnum Foundation and the World Monument Fund, enabling her to delve into the stories of the Kinchela Boys ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ survivors.
Her work has already garnered national attention, including an exhibition at Melbourne’s Centre for Contemporary Photography, further establishing her as a leading voice in the art world.
Curator of the Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery, Annette Young, shared her perspective on this powerful exhibition.
“We Were Just Little Boys captures the deeply moving and personal stories of the Uncles who were forcibly removed from their families and communities and taken to the Kinchela Boys ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ here in Kempsey.
“I hope their stories will resonate deeply with our community and bring to light this complex chapter of our shared history.”
Event Details
Location: Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery
Dates: From Wednesday, 4 December, 2024
Admission: Free
Beyond its artistic merit, the exhibition is a vital step in raising awareness of the history of the Kinchela Aboriginal Boys ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾. By documenting the Uncles’ stories and their harrowing experiences, the project ensures their voices are heard while fostering greater understanding and unity.
We warmly invite the community to experience We Were Just Little Boys at the Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery. Engage with this unforgettable exhibition and its message of resilience, healing, and hope.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see a significant chapter of our shared history.
