Victorians can explore indigenous history and European settlement through an exhibition at the Victorian Archives Centre in North Melbourne.
Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams today visited the exhibition and encouraged people to visit the series of multimedia audio-visual works before it closes on 19 July.
The exhibition has been created by Tahlia Palmer, the Victorian Archives Centre’s first Creative-in-Residence. Palmer is a Melbourne artist of Murri and European descent whose work explores the impact of colonisation on people, Country, and her own family – which has suffered intergenerational trauma as a result.
Palmer was selected as Creative-in-Residence in February from more than 70 applications and has been using the residency to explore the histories of colonial land and water management through the archives of Public Record Office Victoria.
The exhibition features atmospheric video works using the Victorian Archives Centre’s collection of documents, land records, maps and photographs. It incorporates audio and visual field recordings, animation, music, and a hydrophone for recording underwater sounds.
The exhibition runs at the Victorian Archives Centre until 19 July, after which it will be transferred to an online format on the Public Record Office Victoria website at .
As stated by Minister for Government Services Gabrielle Williams
“The Victorian Archives Centre’s Creative-in-Residence Program is a fantastic opportunity for Victorian artists to use our rich and extensive collection of documents, photos and maps as inspiration for new creative work – congratulations Tahlia on this truly impressive exhibition.”
As stated by Public Record Office Victoria Director and Keeper of Public Records Justine Heazlewood
“Tahlia was selected as our first-ever Creative-in-Residence for her ability to navigate archival materials with sensitivity and for her storytelling ability using public records. We’re thrilled to be hosting this fascinating and informative exhibition.”
As stated by 2024 Creative-in-Residence Program recipient Tahlia Palmer
“It has been such a privilege to be able to use the state’s collection of archival materials as a basis for my work exploring sites of significance throughout Victoria – and it’s also been an opportunity to reflect on the complex relationship between people, history and Country.”
