Donna blackall, my cultural journey: Incorporating old and new, 29 February - 19 April 2020

Donna Blackall, a proud Yorta Yorta artist residing on Wauthurung Country in Ballarat, has intricately woven her cultural heritage into her art, particularly through the traditional practice of coil basket weaving. Her inaugural solo exhibition, My Cultural Journey: Incorporating Old and New, showcased at the Koorie Heritage Trust in 2020, beautifully encapsulated her exploration of learning and belonging. This exhibition reflected her deep connection to her totems, Country, and kinship ties, drawing upon the landscapes she cherishes and the familial knowledge she holds dear.

Donna's journey into weaving began in her youth, initially taught by her mother. However, it wasn't until later, through a workshop with master weaver Bronwyn Razem, a Gunditjmara woman, that Donna rekindled her passion for the craft. She employs a satin stitch basket weave technique, utilizing materials like New Zealand flax collected from her local area. This choice of material, though not native to Australia, offers the strength and versatility suited to her weaving style.

Beyond traditional baskets and eel traps, Donna extends her weaving to create representations of totems and animals significant to her culture, such as platypuses. Her works have been featured in esteemed venues, including the Art Gallery of Ballarat and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Notably, her woven shields were part of the NGV's Big Weather exhibition in 2021, symbolising both elemental aspects of nature and the language groups of the Kulin Nations.

In addition to her artistic creations, Donna is dedicated to sharing her knowledge through workshops across Victoria, emphasising the process and storytelling inherent in weaving. She believes that by understanding Indigenous ancestral practices, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the land and promote sustainable living for future generations.

My collaboration with Donna in curating My Cultural Journey played a pivotal role in bringing her vision to the public, highlighting the rich tapestry of her cultural narratives and artistic expressions. This partnership not only showcased her individual journey but also contributed to a broader understanding and appreciation of Indigenous art and heritage.