Dyarubbin: The Hawkesbury River exhibition

This ground-breaking exhibition takes its name from the ancient waterway Dyarubbin or the Hawkesbury River. Inspiration for the exhibition came from the unearthing of Dharug place names for distinctive features and landmarks along the river from Yarramundi to Canoelands. Recovering language and its meaning provides insight into Aboriginal spirituality and culture along the river.

Dharug knowledge holders, artists and educators Leanne Watson, Jasmine Seymour, Erin Wilkins and Rhiannon Wright share their stories of special sites along Dyarubbin (Hawkesbury River) as custodians of this beautiful and haunting place. The exhibition includes artworks, soundscapes, installation art, animation and storytelling which demonstrate the importance of the discovery. Aboriginal artists Leanne Tobin, Blak Douglas (2022 Archibald Prize winner), Jason Wing and Maddison Gibbs have artworks on exhibition.

The Dyarubbin exhibition follows on from the recent State Library of NSW exhibition based on the research of Professor Grace Karskens – The Real Secret River, Dyarubbin which was a collaborative project with Leanne, Jasmine, Erin and Rhiannon winning the 2018 Coral Thomas Fellowship.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Sarah McMahon, who opened the exhibition, said the exhibition provides insight into Aboriginal spirituality and culture along the river.

“The community response to the exhibition has been nothing short of astonishing. Many visitors have returned to see the exhibition several times since it opened. I encourage everyone to take the time to come along to experience this wonderful exhibition. My congratulations to Gallery Curator Elissa Blair, Arts and Culture Manager Matthew Fallon and all the gallery team and volunteers, and of course the artists themselves”, Mayor McMahon said.

All residents of the Hawkesbury are encouraged to visit the exhibition in order to connect with and consider an often unspoken perspective of our local and foundational history.

Hawkesbury Regional Gallery is located on the first floor, Deerubbin Centre, 300 George Street, Windsor. The exhibition is free and continues until 5th February, 2023.

If you have any enquiries, please contact the Gallery at [email protected] or 4560 4441.