Exhibitions

For generations, women have been the custodians of ancestral knowledge about plants, passing it down through food, healing practices and during key life transitions' rituals. Many of these plants are vital health allies as they support women's reproductive health, easing hormonal cycles, aiding digestion, and promoting restful sleep. These same plants are often used in ceremonies and dreamwork, connecting women to both body and spirit through generations of practice and tradition. However, when women migrate or seek refuge in a new country, this deeply rooted knowledge is at risk of being lost as the plants native to their birth land aren't easy to access any longer. Added to this the pressure to assimilate, overcome language barriers, disrupted community ties, and the need to adapt quickly can all hinder the passing on of traditional ecological knowledge.

This project recognises the essential role that plant wisdom plays in women’s health and cultural identity. By centering the voices and experiences of newly arrived migrant and refugee women, it honours their resilience and celebrates the continuity of their knowledge. Through storytelling, art, and textile, this project provides a platform for women to reclaim and share their heritage—fostering wellbeing, intergenerational connection, and a more inclusive understanding of healing traditions. 

Collage Workshop for Parents & Bubs 

Join exhibiting artist Sofie Dieu on Saturday 10th January from 10 to 11.30am, to create, connect, and share stories across generations in this special collage workshop designed for parents and little ones.

Using vintage botanical illustrations and herbaria prints, you and your bub will craft a soothing composition inspired by plants that promote peaceful sleep and sweet dreams.

As you explore these calming plants, you’ll learn about their natural healing properties and the cultural significance they’ve held across generations. Share your own family traditions and stories, while discovering how these plants have been passed down through time to support rest and rejuvenation.

This workshop offers a chance for parents to bond with their kids in a creative, relaxing environment, while also honoring the wisdom of nature. You’ll leave with a beautiful, personalised botanical piece to hang in your child's room —a gentle reminder of the plants that nurture both sleep and dreams for your whole family.

Registrations required for this free workshop. Please RSVP here.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sofie Dieu is a French-born, Melbourne-based visual artist, academic, and PhD candidate at Monash University. Her collaborative projects with communities, musicians, and organisations—such as the Black Dog Institute and Multicultural Women Victoria—explore migration, ecology, and women’s cultural knowledge. Her works, including Longing for Home and Sacred Plants, Our Ancestors’ Legacy, have been exhibited across Australia and France. Sofie has received major grants from Creative Victoria and Creative Australia. She is a finalist in national prizes like the Percivals and Waterhouse, and her work is held in public and private collections in Europe and Australia.