An exhibition showcasing traditional Aboriginal kelp sculptures and rock carvings is opening in Launceston on Friday night.
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The exhibition, named noiheenner (good spirit) will feature art by two Tasmanian Indigenous elders.
One of the artists, Nannette Shaw has been made a finalist in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, which will be held in Darwin in August.
“It’s a plus for our community” Shaw said. “To showcase the available talent down here in the Aboriginal community”.
Shaw used wet kelp to sculpt into various shapes including baskets and sacks, taking influence from her ancestor’s techniques.
This will be the first time Shaw’s work will be displayed as an exhibition.
Other art featured includes petroglyph (rock carving) art created by Judith-Rose Thomas.
Thomas’ work will be the largest Aboriginal art pieces ever displayed in Tasmania.
She believes the exhibition will give people an opportunity to view traditional Aboriginals carvings that are usually only seen in remote areas of Tasmania.
Both Shaw and Thomas hope their stories will encourage younger indigenous Tasmanians to show their creative side and learn about portraying their ancestors history in an artistic way.
“We’re Aboriginal elders so we have to try and encourage the young ones to do something constructive with their lives’ Thomas said.
The exhibition will be open from July 6 until July 28 at the Sawtooth Gallery on Cimitere street.
