Guraban: Where the Saltwater meets the Freshwater

Guraban:

Where the Saltwater meets the Freshwater

Guraban exhibition view. Photo: Silversalt

The Georges River originates south-east of Appin, flowing north-east to Liverpool and then south-east again into Botany Bay. Today the catchment is home to 1.4 million people and is one of the most highly urbanised rivers in Australia.

While the river was explored by Europeans in the 1790s and named after King George III, it was long known as Tucoerah to the Traditional Custodians of the land. For thousands of years, Aboriginal People have lived in the Georges River area - the Dharug, Bidjigal, Cabrogal to the north and the Dharawal, Gandangara, Norongaragal, Gweagal to the south. The river has always been an important focal point for Aboriginal

Pounder (left) on loan from Australian Museum and Ground-edge Axe (right) in Hurstville Museum & Gallery collection. Photo: Silversalt Sydney Harbour Bridge shellwork by Marilyn Russell (detail). Photo: Silversalt

Some of the Guraban commissioned artists and collaborators at the exhibition opening event; L-R: Charleene Mundine, Dennis Golding, Djon Mundine, Jenine Boeree, Nicole Monks, McCallum Mundine, Jason Wing

life and culture in southern Sydney, for food, transport and trade, as well as the land, flora and fauna, the sea, and sky, all part of embedded connections to Country.

The exhibition takes its name from the Dharawal word for Bitterwater: Guraban (pronounced Goor/uh/bun), meaning Where the Saltwater meets the Freshwater. Combining historical artefacts, photographs and documents with the work of commissioned Aboriginal artists Jenine Boeree & Nicole Monks, Dennis Golding, Djon Mundine, Marilyn Russell and Jason Wing, Guraban explores the history of the Georges River and its continuous association with First Nations communities.

Presenting Aboriginal stories associated with the Georges River in the local region, the exhibition highlights multiple perspectives on significant historical and contemporary connections to the river, its people and places.

The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with local First Nations groups, individuals, artists, and the Gujaga Foundation. The Gujaga Foundation is a peak organisation leading Dharawal language, and research activities, working with Elders, knowledge holders and academics to provide language and cultural advice within their cultural boundary in eastern, southern, and southwestern Sydney.

The commissioned artworks have been made possible through funding from Create NSW.

Dennis Golding with his commissioned work, Remnants during the exhibition opening event.