The intersections between the sides of Ngarigu artist Peter Waples-Crowe’s (he/they) identity are on display at The Substation’s outdoor Billboard Gallery.
The free exhibition of their new series of works, titled ‘Queer on Country’, will be open for Newport locals and visitors until Sunday, April 2.
An emerging queer Elder based in Naarm, Waples-Crowe uses a variety of mediums, including performance, sculpture, drawing, collage, costuming and scenic design incorporating symbolism, narrative and visual language to investigate the representation of First Nations people in popular culture.
As well as their work as an artist, Waples-Crowe also has more than 25 years of experience as a community health worker, specialising in Indigenous health across the country across work with organisations such as Thorne Harbour Health, The Torch and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
Waples-Crowe has also been a multiple finalist for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and has won the major Victorian Indigenous Art award three times.
Recently-appointed The Substation chief executive Nuala Furtado and general manager Gabrielle Ryan will officially open the exhibition on Friday, February 10 from 6pm, with a Welcome to Country from Yalukit-willam man Jaeden Williams.
Performances of the inaugural dance festival FRAME will also be making their way to The Substation in March.
A three-year co-design process collaboration between independent dance artists and festival partners, the inaugural program will feature performances, talks, workshops and more.
Details: thesubstation.org.au or framebiennial.com.au
Matthew Sims
