Wreath for Oodgeroo

Abstract

Research Background: McGregor’s possum skin cloak 'Wreath for Oodgeroo' (2020), depicts native plants found on Minjerriba (Stradbroke Island, Queensland) to honour the leadership and insight of black-rights activist, poet, artist, environmentalist and educator Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) (1920–93)’s 1970’s protest march from the Sydney Aboriginal Mission La Perouse (Guriwal) to the ocean where wreathes were thrown into the water. Marking the 1770 landing of Lieutenant Cook in Kamay (Botany Bay) and the beginning of dispossession. Since 1938 wreaths have been laid at La Perouse to mourn losses. In this way 'Wreath for Oodgeroo' honours Oodgeroo and her contribution to Australia.

Research Contribution: McGregor’s art practice involves the revival of the traditional possum skin cloak as an art form and a way to strengthen individual and communal identities. For each new cloak the art on the skins is deeply considered and relevant to Indigenous communities. McGregor thanks and acknowledges Traditional Guardians from whose lands the cloak’s material comes, especially the Quandamooka peoples. Kieron Anderson (Quandamooka, Kullili, Wakka Wakka) for his sharing of knowledge and Raymond Walker (Nunka Wulew) for his guidance.

Research Significance: Commissioned by Artspace, Sydney, NSW as part of the exhibition 'djillong dumularra', 2020 with artist Judy Watson. McGregor collaborated with members of the La Perouse Aboriginal Community to create a new collective possum skin cloak that will remain with the Community in perpetuity. 'Wreath for Oodgeroo' was also exhibited in Rite of Passage, QUT Art Museum, Brisbane, QLD, 2020; Art Gallery of Ballarat, Ballarat Heritage Festival, NSW, 2021 and UN/LEARNING AUSTRALIA, SeMA (Seoul Museum of Art), Korea 2021-2022.