Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised this exhibition may contain the images, names and stories of Elders who have passed away. These have been used with permission.
Image: Butterabby Headstone. Photography by Tamati Smith
SILENCE
LISTENING
EXHIBITION DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE RECIPIENT
Silence Listening is the recipient of ART ON THE MOVE’s Exhibition Development Initiative, a $10,000 grant that supports the development of regionally focused exhibitions across Western Australia.
This powerful truth-telling exhibition centres Yamaji culture and dialogue, exploring the enduring impact of colonisation, while fostering understanding and collective healing.
Curated by Bard, Jawi Aamba (man) Ron Bradfield Jnr and George Criddle, Silence Listening explores the colonial histories of Jambinu (Geraldton), and Mullewa.
The exhibition features works by two important Yamaji artists, the late Uncle Dr Brian Dodd McKinnon and Charmaine Papertalk Green, alongside British-Australian artist George Criddle. It responds to Charmaine Papertalk Green’s concept of ‘silence listening’ – an intercultural and collaborative process addressing the violent colonial histories that have been actively denied within the settler narrative.
Working with Aunty Jill McKinnon and Crystal McKinnon who are collaborators and representatives for Uncle Dr Brian Dodd McKinnon, we honour his life and work by featuring paintings from his PhD collection, I Used to Walk So Softly on this Land, along with audio recordings of him discussing his art. In addition, newly commissioned works by Charmaine Papertalk Green and George Criddle include large-scale collaborative pieces that reflect on listening, working together, activism, and truth-telling.
CURATORS
Ron Bradfield Jnr & Dr George Criddle
ARTISTS
Late Dr Brian McKinnon (Amangu, Noongar), Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green (Wajarri, Badimaya), and Dr George Criddle
EXHIBITION DATES
Museum of Geraldton
21 June — 7 September 2025
Image: Charmaine Papertalk Green & George Criddle, Call and Response Banners # 1, part of the series TruthTelling Carriers (2024-25). Photo by G Criddle.
The Exhibition Development Initiative is made possible through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost with funding managed by the WA Government and delivered by ART ON THE MOVE.
