A series of portraits of members of the Orange Aboriginal community is on display at Orange Regional Gallery, celebrating the importance of shared knowledge and leadership in community.
Named Winhanganha (to think, know, remember) Mayiny (people), the exhibition was produced by renowned Australian portrait photographer Gary Grealy. The exhibition will be on display until 5 June 2022.
Winhanganha Mayiny is an Orange Regional Gallery and Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council (OLALC) partnership exhibition made possible with generous support from Anna and Simon Ainsworth.
Orange City Council Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Mel McDonell said Winhanganha Mayiny was one of four exhibitions displayed as part of the reopening of the Gallery after a year-long expansion project.
“It was great to see this exhibition on display as part of the gallery’s reopening celebrations, which provide an insight into the subjects’ skills and knowledge in a diverse range of areas such as art, archaeology, language, sport and community work,” Cr McDonell said. “Hundreds of people admired the stunning portraits during the opening event in December and hundreds more have since spent time reading each person’s story and appreciating the work of the talented Sydney photographer Gary Grealy.”
Mr Grealy’s photographs have been exhibited in prestigious photographic competitions both here and overseas winning the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Portrait Prize at the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Portrait Gallery in 2017.
The exhibition features portraits of Doug Sutherland, Jason French, Annette Steele, Julie Armstrong, Michael Newman, Pam Boney, Sandon Gibbs-O’Neill, Hayden Gibbs-O’Neill and Shirley Kinchela.
Over multiple visits in 2020 and 2021, Mr Grealy met and worked with each sitter to create a portrait that spoke to their identity and role. During each session the sitter discussed their work and the role it plays in building a strong community for future generations. Across all the portraits each person is united by their work for community and a shared belief in the Wiradjuri philosophy of Winhanganha.
A set of portraits has been produced for the OLALC and will be installed in its new head-office on Byng Street.
“The portrait series will remind future generations that great things can happen when everyone unites and shares their skills and passion,” OLALC CEO Annette Steele said.
