Uncle Herb Patten, Wall Paper Flowers, 2004. Oil on canvas. Courtesy: the artist, the Darebin Art Collection, and Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, Bundoora.

Celebrating Victorian Koori Elders, Us Mob honours the legacies and showcases the continued practice of students who attended the Indigenous Art Unit at RMIT University’s School of Art between 2005 and 2012. This exhibition explores the diverse experiences and expressions of Indigenous people in the South East.

The Indigenous Art Unit was part of a TAFE Indigenous Arts Education program that ran at the RMIT’s Bundoora West Campus from 1999 to 2012. Students in the course learned different techniques, from painting to digital media. Bundoora Homestead Art Centre worked closely with the Unit, hosting a series of award exhibitions called the Gumbri White Dove Award. The success of this exhibition resulted in the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and Darebin City Council acquiring many important works.

Exhibited artists include Aunty Bunta Patten, Aunty Frances Gallagher, Uncle Herb Patten, Aunty Gwen Garoni, Aunty Gwen Brooke, Uncle Kennedy Edwards, Aunty Lorraine Nelson, Ray Thomas and Uncle Talgium Edwards. The exhibition has been curated by Sharon West, Dr. Lyndon Ormond Parker and Simon Rose.

Opening Event: Saturday 8 July, 2 – 4pm, celebrating NAIDOC Week.