Barangga Yarning: Leanne Tobin & Nicole Monks

Presented over four weeks at key design institutions across Warrang/Sydney, 'Barangga' is a yarning series that celebrates culture and community in First Nations design and making practices across Australia. The program connects leading First Nations designers and creatives working in graphics, digital design, object, tool making, weaving, sculpture, painting, and more, with Australia's most renowned First Nations curators and producers to discuss the power of creative practice.

Leanne Tobin is a multidisciplinary artist of Irish, English and Aboriginal heritage descending from the Buruberong and Wumali clans of the Dharug, the traditional Aboriginal people of the Greater Sydney region. Leanne works collaboratively with community groups, local schools and institutions using her art to tell local stories and to evoke an environmental conscience and respect towards the land and its original people. Her art practice seeks to encourage an open and honest dialogue about the past and to nurture, respect and care for Country, paying homage to our Old People and their legacy.

Nicole Monks is a multi-disciplinary creative of Yamaji Wajarri, Dutch and English heritage living and working on Worimi and Awabakal Country (Newcastle). Monks’ practice is informed by her cross-cultural identity, using storytelling as a way to connect the past with the present and future. Her works take a conceptual approach that are embedded with narratives and aim to promote conversation and connection. An award-winning designer and artist, Monks crosses disciplines to work with furniture and objects, textiles, video, installation and performance. Across these varied forms of contemporary art and design, her work reflects Aboriginal philosophies of sustainability, innovation and collaboration. Monks is well known for her success as a solo and collaborative artist and founder of design practice blackandwhite creative as well as public art company mili mili.

—

Presented by UNSW School of Art & Design and UNSW Galleries

'Barangga' is a Dharawal word meaning 'large vessel' or 'island'. It speaks to the significance of design and crafts in First Nations practices, while embodying the notion of bringing people together and holding space for community.

This four-week program of workshops and conversations will be presented onsite at UNSW Galleries as well as at key design institutions across Sydney including the Australian Design Centre and the Australian National Maritime Museum.