A First Nations woman born and raised on Wadawurrung Country will soon see her artwork on display at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
Pitta Pitta woman Jahkarli Romanis will participate in Country Road and NGV First Nations Commissions’ Future Country exhibition program, alongside mentor Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal artist and curator Brook Andrew.
Ms Romanis, who grew up in Jan Juc and attended school in Geelong, said she felt honoured to be chosen for the program, with her work spanning photography, moving images and spoken words.
“I wouldn’t be in this position, and I wouldn’t be doing this work if it weren’t for my family, so I’m always so grateful for their support,” she said.
“It is a huge honour and privilege considering how prestigious the NGV is, but in the same breath, it’s also important that we are still being critical of these big galleries.”
The second iteration of a biennial mentorship and exhibition program pairs emerging Australian First Nations artists with industry leaders from each state and territory.
“I’m still quite a young artist, and Brooke has helped me to have strength and confidence in my artistic vision and how to ensure that it isn’t compromised,” Ms Romanis said.
“Existing within a diverse arts community is super important, but I still pinch myself all the time, and this show with NGV is an absolute dream I cannot believe that it’s happened.”
Future Country is a free exhibition that will run from 20 March to 13 September at NGV’s The Ian Potter Centre.
