Moorina Bonini, bawu (body), 2023. Video still. Courtesy: the artist and Incinerator Gallery, Narrm/Melbourne.

“Aboriginal women have been at the vanguard of an outlaw culture, which consists of empowering practices that have been created in response to the ongoing denial of the law’s protection.” — Professor Nicole Watson

The exhibition These Arms Hold shines a light on how Aboriginal women have always been resistance fighters, from the Frontier Wars to now, whose histories have been erased through colonial violence. The exhibition will traverse contemporary and traditional ways of representing and embodying women’s weaponry and resistance from the south-east of so-called Australia.

Through workshops and conversations, artists Gabi Briggs, Indianna Hunt, Moorina Bonini, and Tarryn Love will come together to honour their sovereignty, strength and bloodlines as Aboriginal women through a collaborative installation. These Arms Hold emphasises that Aboriginal women have always fought for their Country, waterways, kin, children, and themselves.