Ross-Lyn’s Work in National Exhibition
By Jem Anshaw
Ross-Lyn Thomson is a proud Gomeroi woman who is excited to be able to share her culture as part of an exhibition at the Australian Museum.
When she started weaving five years ago, she could not have expected to have an opportunity like being included in the Unsettled exhibition, based around Captain Cook’s voyage to Australia from the perspective of the Aboriginal community.
“I am so honoured, I have no words because I never thought in a million years I would ever have anything in a museum for one, but to be a part of an exhibition that is all about my culture and truth telling and being a part of that is just one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had,” Ross-Lyn said.
“This exhibition is all First Nations people, there are over 100 people involved with creating the display.”
The concept evolved through conversations with the Aboriginal community and what they would like to see in an exhibition around Captain Cook – and there was an overwhelming cry for truth telling.
“Back in October I went to a healing workshop out near Wellington with a few of my Aboriginal Elders,” Ross-Lyn explained.
“We didn’t actually know it was something that was going to become part of an exhibition.
“We had Lauren and Mariko from the Australian Museum come out and told us a bit about the exhibition and what their vision is.”
Ross-Lyn weaved a number of flowers that are included in the healing space section of the exhibition, which also includes artifacts from before colonisation alongside artworks from around 100 other indigenous artists.
Unsettled opened at the Australian Museum in Sydney on May 22 and will be on display until October 10.