Opening: Thursday 17 June, 5.30-8pm
To be opened by Esther Kirby, artist.
Curator's floor talk: Saturday 19 June, 2pm

Featuring examples of both traditional and contemporary forms of egg carving, Carved out of Life highlights the importance and significance of a neglected medium.

Emu egg carving has been practised in Australia since the late 18th Century. Although synonymous with colonisation, the practice has been modified and embraced by Indigenous people. Denied traditional forms of cultural expression, Indigenous communities adopted the emu egg as a medium to tell stories, explain totems and reveal knowledge of land, place, and identity. Today it is very much a part of Indigenous culture and artistic practice, strengthening and retaining links to the past.

Eggs that were etched and carved from the 18th century can fetch a high price in today's art market, but little is known about the carvers and their history. Carved out of Life aims to redress this imbalance, highlighting the importance and significance of a neglected medium. The exhibition will feature examples of both traditional and contemporary forms of egg carving.

This exhibition has been guest curated by contemporary Indigenous artist Clinton Nain and includes work by Brian Cavanagh, Lucy Williams Connelly, Esther Kirby and Adrian "Ringo" Morgan. 

Resources
Essay

Clinton Nain is represented by Mossgreen Gallery.

Proudly supported by the Indigenous Arts Grant Program, City of Melbourne.