A new book and short film will act as not only a memoir, but a cultural record for generations to come.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
rina-mapali, nimina & kalikina, by Tasmanian Aboriginal elder Aunty Lola Greeno, translates to lots of shells, grasses and seaweed.
The book and short film aim to inspire a new generation of cultural practitioners by recording the legacy of Aunty Lola and her connection to Country, as well as highlighting the results of cultural workshops held around the state with young Aboriginal women.
The workshops were started in September and covered shell work, weaving, and kelp basket making.
"It's time I recorded who I am, where I come from and most importantly this information is handed on to the other women and children, leaving my legacy for them to carry out," she said.
"What we need to consider in the future is taking care of the environment. [Aboriginal] traditions need to survive.
"This book follows my life from fond memories of growing up on Cape Barren Island, through my early artistic practices."
The book was chosen to be accompanied by a short film to better showcase stories and practices. Aunty Lola said the ability to have a digital version meant the stories could travel across the world.
"It's a book you can keep forever and is designed to look like a journal of my life," she said.
Aunty Lola is a pakana shell artist, curator, educator, and arts worker who now lives in Launceston.
She trained as a curator at the University of Tasmania and later at the National Gallery of Australia. Among other things, Aunty Lola worked for Arts Tasmania and had her work exhibited and collected by national museums and galleries.
"Once you own your story you can share it and tell it to other people," Aunty Lola said.
"It's really important [to share] because I feel like I'm coming to the end of my career.
"The easiest part [of developing the book] was knowing what we wanted in it and working with the team at QVMAG was great as they obviously had foresight into what the content should be."
Aunty Lola said the cultural practice of arts was vital to pass on, as it could lead to many different avenues.
The book was launched on Thursday at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Copies of the book are available for purchase at both QVMAG sites.
"I am excited [for the launch] and I think the excitement will go on for a couple of weeks. Signing the books I'm very excited for," Aunty Lola said.
The book has also been picked up by schools across the state for educational purposes.
"I want all my story and the cultural practices and knowledge to be shared with the young people," Aunty Lola said.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
