Brooke Blurton hosts NGV's A Portrait of Us

In the final episode we explore connections between art and the natural world, with a focus on the intricate relationship between culture, landscape, and preservation.Our guests, Dr. Pirjo Haikola and Dr. Deanne Gilson, may come from different worlds—one a Finnish scuba diver and the other a First Nations artist—but they are united by their deep commitment to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of this country.Pirjo brings her unique underwater perspective, while Deanne’s paintings capture the spirit of the land. Joining them is NGV curator of First Nations art, Michael Gentle, who will guide us through the cultural significance of Deanne and Pirjo’s unique art practices.Together, we'll delve into the ways art can inspire us to care for our natural heritage and deepen our connection to the land and its stories.

As First Nations Australian women, Kyra Mancktelow and Kelly Koumalatsos' insights offer a profound and historically rich perspective on garment making.Approaching fashion from distinct angles, these artists' work beautifully illuminates the evolution of body covering in Australia from pre-colonisation to the contemporary moment.Together we'll explore the deep connections between fashion, family, and identity.

Focusing on the power of language as both an artform and tool for change, Katherine Hattam and Jazz Money explore the transformative power of language in their distinct and varied art practices. The artists reflect on how language, whether visual or written, can go beyond aesthetics, weaving their conversation through topics of medium, family, translation, and naming.

In this episode Brooke joins Vipoo Srivilasa and Jenna Lee to explore the topic of Materiality and the Handmade.On the surface, Vipoo’s playfully eclectic ceramics and Jenna’s meticulously crafted paper sculptures may appear to exist in different realms. This conversation uncovers their shared thinking and commitment to their craft.Both artists bring organic and historically grounded approaches to their work, revealing unexpected similarities in their creative processes.

Episode 1 dives into the powerful intersection of women and colonisation.Naarm based artists Atong Atem and Yhonnie Scarce's ideas challenge and redefine our understanding of these themes. Sophie Gerhard, NGV’s Curator of Australian and First Nations Art, brings her invaluable perspective to the conversation.Together we'll unravel the complexities of this topic and uncover the profound ways women have navigated, resisted, and reshaped histories of colonisation.