Exploring First Nations Art and Culture

Year 10 'Deadly Stories' Excursion: Exploring First Nations Art and Culture

Last week, our Year 10 Deadly Stories students had the chance to deepen their understanding of First Nations history and culture through a memorable excursion to the NGV’s Ian Potter Gallery and Birrarung Marr. The day started with an insightful tour of First Nations Art and Culture at the NGV, where students had the opportunity to view a range of artworks, both traditional and contemporary. Reko Rennie’s retrospective was a standout, showcasing bold use of colour and a contemporary approach to storytelling that resonated with the students.

Following the gallery visit, the group headed to Birrarung Marr for a tour led by the Koorie Heritage Trust. Here, students learned about the Yarra River’s history and the landscape of early Narrm (Melbourne), which was once a wetland area prone to flooding for several months of the year. They were also introduced to traditional First Nations tools and weapons and gained insight into how these were used for hunting and daily life.

The excursion offered students a meaningful way to engage with the rich history and stories of First Nations people, making classroom learning come to life through real-world connections.

Reko Rennie - Kamilaroi artist 

Title: OA WARRIOR I (blue)

George Maxwell