Current exhibitions

Noongar 

Made from eco-dyed pandanus, emu feathers, metal; silk eco-printed with silver dollar eucalyptus, lemon scented eucalyptus and flowers from Mum’s garden, Jodie Dowd’s Sunlight (2023-2026) is a love letter to her Matriarchs, Country and plant kin. 

Says the artist:

“Sunlight is a love letter to my Matriarchs, Country and plant kin.  

I wanted to capture the warmth of their love by honouring their teachings. 

My Elders shared the knowledge of how to weave when I was young and granted me permission to share weaving during workshops in 2020. 

Sis Gianna C Hayes taught me how to imprint plant kin on silk in 2023, and I love how it complements my weaving. I have since taught my Matriarchs how to print plant kin on wool and silk. 

Sunlight plays with light shining through the silk, highlighting plant kin and casting beautiful rays on the weaving. Sunlight reminds us to take time to enjoy walking with our loved ones, enjoying Country in the sun.” 

Listen to “Feel Good” by Noongar musician Bumpy to feel Sunlight’s warmth. 

The artist listened to “Sunlight” by Hozier while making this work. 

Sunlight will be on display until 12 July.  

About the artist 

Jodie Dowd (she/her) is a Noongar (Menang, Gitja, Wangai, Ballardong) curator, basket weaver and writer who grew up on Gunai/Kurnai Country, Victoria, Australia. Jodie has called Gaimaragal Country on Sydney’s northern beaches home for the past five years. Jodie has spent over 15 years in the Galleries Library, Arts & Museum (GLAM) sector, working with First Nations community members to care for cultural belongings and support truth-telling through exhibitions and recording their right of reply. Jodie was most recently the Community Engagement Manager at the Australian Film Television and Radio School.  

Alongside Nathan mudyi Sentance and Emma Hicks, Jodie is one of North Sydney Council’s inaugural First Nations Creatives in Residence at the Alfred Street Studios. You can read more about the Residency here.