Spirit of the Animals draws on the Koorie Heritage Trust’s extensive collection of artworks and cultural belongings to highlight the significance of animals in the cultural life of Victorian First Peoples, establishing connection to Place and Country, and strengthening clan and cultural identity. Mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, vertebrates, invertebrates, insects, and more, are depicted in the exhibition through paintings, animation, drawings, sculpture, tools and adornment.
The exhibition features over fifty artworks and cultural belongings by: Albert & Richard Mullett (Gunai/Gunai, Monero Ngarigo); Brook Andrew (Wiradjuri); Glenda Nicholls (Waddi Waddi, Yorta Yorta, Ngarrindjeri); Lin Onus (Yorta Yorta); Peter and Alex Mongta (Monero); Len Tregonning (Gunai/Kurnai); Peter Waples-Crowe (Ngarigo); Trevor Brown (Latji Latji), Tommy McRae (Kwatkwat); Vera Cooper (Yorta Yorta); Aunty Zeta Thomson (Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri), and more.
Image: Leonard Tregonning (Gunai/Kurnai)
CD (Camp Dog), 2015
Plaster, wire, synthetic polymer paint
Collection of Koorie Heritage Trust, donated 2024
Photo: Christian Capurro
Koorie Heritage Trust
Levels 1 & 3
Yarra Building
Federation Square
Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets
Melbourne VIC 3000
T: (03) 8662 6300
E: info@koorieheritagetrust.com.au
W: koorieheritagetrust.com.au
Opening Hours
10am to 5pm
7 days a week
Closed all Victorian and National Public Holidays
Entry is Free
The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our office is located, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enduring traditions and continuing creative cultures. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation that celebrates diversity. We are committed to providing safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive services for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
