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Display of a possum skin cloak at the Art of the Skins exhibition
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Art of the Skins

25 June 2016 ‐ 20 November 2016
slqGallery, Level 2

Awakening South East Queensland historical traditions through contemporary art, Art of the Skins revitalised the practice of possum skin cloak making.

Be inspired by how knowledge is gained and passed on through six richly decorated cloaks, collaboratively designed by Aboriginal community members.

In a trail that weaved from slq Gallery to kuril dhagun, explore historical and contemporary artefacts, accounts and images; hear oral histories from Elders, artists and academics; and be immersed in a vivid installation of contemporary representations of Country.

Paying homage to those who’ve come before us, Art of the Skins embodied the continuous, ever-growing and adapting nature of Australia’s first cultures.

Decorated possum skin cloak on display in SLQ gallery
Art of the skins in kuril dhagun
Art of the Skins in kuril dhagun showcased a multidisciplinary display of work inspired by the revitalisation of Aboriginal possum skin cloak making traditions.
kuril dhagun
Digital Stories
Seven Digital stories from The Art of the Skins exhibition.
Digital Stories
Madeline Hodge at the Gold Coast possum skin cloak workshop, 2016. Photo by Glenn Barry.
Community Cloaks
Eight community Cloaks created in workshops for the Art of the Skins Exhibition.
Community Cloaks

Art of the Skins Exhibition trailor

To support The Art of the Skins exhibition, State Library has created learning notes with teaching and learning activities linked directly to the Australian Curriculum. These notes are designed to enhance the onsite experience.

The exhibition was in the slq Gallery and in kuril dhagun, our Indigenous space. It closed on 20 November 2016.

Learning Notes Prep to Year 4

Learning Notes Prep to Year 4

PDF · 270 KB

Learning Notes Year 5 - 8

Learning Notes Year 5 - 8

PDF · 490 KB

Art of the Skins Resource List

Art of the Skins Resource List

PDF · 518 KB

Teacher background notes

Teacher background notes

PDF · 349 KB