Rite of Passage

Rite of Passage is a visionary group exhibition that developed as a response to the significance of the year 2020 – 250 years since James Cook first landed in Australia.

The exhibition aims to reframe the way that we perceive this year in our historyRite of Passage showcases the strength of autobiographical work by eleven contemporary Aboriginal artists from across Australia.

Artists include Glennys Briggs, Megan Cope, Nici Cumpston, Karla Dickens, Julie Gough, Lola Greeno, Leah King-Smith, Jenna Lee, Carol McGregor, Mandy Quadrio, and Judy Watson. Described by curator Shannon Brett as explicit in their actions regarding their Aboriginal rites, the exhibition reveals how these artists define themselves as voices of their families and their ancestors in their quest to preserve their Aboriginality.

Shannon Brett, a former Cairns-based artist/designer/curator, a proud descendant of the Wakka Wakka, Butchulla and Gurang Gurang clans.

Rite of Passage premiered at QUT Art Museum, Brisbane in March 2020. This project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

Listen to the Artists:

Week 1: Carol McGregor & Judy Watson in Conversation with exhibition curator Shannon Brett.

Week 2: Karla Dickens & Megan Cope

Week 3: Nici Cumpston & Glennys Briggs

Week 4: Leah King-Smith & Jenna Lee

Week 5: Lola Greeno & Julie Gough

A rite of passage is an event that marks an important stage in someone's life, or death – a transition. During a time not so long ago, the Aboriginal population of this country transitioned from a free civilisation to a nation conquered. In the process, thousands of years of ecological and spiritual power and cultural knowledge were diminished, and many customs and traditions of our original people were lacerated – with many lost forever. ”
Shannon Brett