The Shape of Time

Main Gallery & Small Object Space
Meanjin / Brisbane
25 April to 19 July, 2025

The Shape of Time combines two compelling exhibitions from Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary craft and design practitioners. Together, these exhibitions offer a unique glimpse into the diverse and vibrant making practices from across Queensland’s vast far north regions.

Main Gallery

Explore how time is shaped by the land and made tangible through the act of making. Works from five leading Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres have been brought together for this landmark showcase, presenting contemporary objects and textiles that blend ancient practices, storytelling and modern materials.

Here, time takes form — in vessels, weavings, textures, sculpture and patterns that speak to generations of knowledge and cultural continuity. The timelessness of traditional craft techniques is observed, inviting you to slow down, observe and appreciate each intricate detail.

Exploding with the colour, life and the joy of their creation, this is a rare opportunity to experience the vibrancy and spirit of works from multiple art centres displayed en masse. A wall of Bagu from Girringun Art Centre – artworks made from clay, timber and string to evoke the spirit of the old people – will stand alongside Hope Vale Arts & Cultural Centre new BIRRANGAY BULILIL (leaves falling) Autumn 2025 textile collection; an array of ghost net woven sculptures from Pormpuraaw Art and Culture Centre; handcrafted ceramics from Yalanji Arts; and weavings from Moa Arts, including a stunning collection of reimagined traditional bags and baskets by Paula Savage, winner of the 2023 Melbourne Design Week Award.

Small Object Space

A selection of wearable pieces by independent makers merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to tell powerful stories of cultural continuity and artistic innovation. Using materials ranging from emu feathers and native timbers to metals and clay, these works gently reference an ancient practice of adornment, bringing age-old techniques into today.

Curated by Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, The Shape of Time will take place in Meanjin / Brisbane, on the lands of the Turrbal and Yuggera people. All items displayed are available for purchase, with proceeds directly supporting the artists and art centres.

Opening night Thursday 24 April, 6 - 8 pm. RSVP here.

Art Centres

Jewellery Makers Dr Andrew T Gall, Bruce Borey, Desert-Rain Magpie, Melissa Stannard, Rachel Bywaters

Images

1: GURRBAL (Brolgas), Birrangay Bulilil (leaves falling) Autumn 2025 textile collection, Hope Vale Arts and Cultural Centre.

2: Fish Trap, Wanda Gibson, Birrangay Bulilil (leaves falling) - 2025 Hope Vale Autumn Collection, Linen. Photo: Hope Vale Arts and Culture Centre; Jellyfish, Jill Yantumba. 176 x 30cm. Photo: Pormpuraaw Art & Culture Centre; Bagu DM1126, Debra Murray, Ceramics, 34 x 12.5 x 6.5cm. Photo: Girringun Art Centre; 112-25, Paula Savage. Photo: Moa Arts; Kakan (Black Palm) Dillybag, Vanessa Cannon. Ceramic Tile. 225 mm diameter. Photo: Yalanji Arts.