Language is more than just words – it’s a bond that stretches back through time, connecting us to our ancestors and collective history. It’s an insight into the human spirit, exposing our culture and representing a way of life.

The importance of First Nations languages was the focus of LAND & LANGUAGE – an exhibition at Wollongong Central in July.

To coincide with national celebrations for NAIDOC Week 2017, with its theme ‘Our Languages Matter’, LAND & LANGUAGE featured First Nations artists from different nation groups, but primarily from the Illawarra region.

Live painting sessions were a highlight of the exhibition and the general public was invited to watch these skilled artists – David Cragg, Noni Cragg, Peter Hewett and Blak Douglas, in action.

Also on display were photographs of significant sites throughout the Illawarra as well as a series of poems written in the traditional Dharawal language by historian, archaeologist, anthropologist, and publisher Les Bursill OAM JP.

LAND & LANGUAGE brought focus to the many different language groups and nations that are past and present in this land, the physical and spiritual connection between them, and the way language expresses knowledge about every aspect of life.

Produced Wiltshire + Dimas, curated by aMBUSH Gallery and presented with Wollongong Central.