A Portrait of Us

In a landscape where conversations on culture and identity often operate within the same circles, the National Gallery of Victoria’s new podcast, A Portrait of Us, aims to break out of that echo chamber. Supported by the Ullmer Family Foundation, this series offers a fresh, inclusive perspective of Australian art, culture and society, with a First Nations First approach. Hosted by Brooke Blurton, each episode sparks dynamic dialogues between artists exploring the rich and diverse intersections of their practices, and how they relate to the world around us. A Portrait of Us delves into the complexities of contemporary Australian life, inviting listeners to engage with a broad spectrum of voices and experiences that reflect our vibrant, multicultural society.

Generously supported by the Ullmer Family Foundation as part of Resonance: Truth Telling at NGV.

Listen to the podcast below or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon.

Episode 1: Colonisation and women

Guests: Yhonnie Scarce and Atong Atem
Hosts: Brooke Blurton and Sophie Gerhard

This episode dives into the powerful intersection of women and colonisation, with two artists whose work challenges and redefines our understanding of these themes. This episode unravels the complexities of this topic and uncover the profound ways women have navigated, resisted, and reshaped histories of colonisation.

Episode 2: Materiality and the handmade

Guests: Jenna Lee and Vipoo Srivilasa
Host: Brooke Blurton

This episode brings together two artists whose work focuses on the three dimensional. While Vipoo’s playfully eclectic ceramics and Jenna’s meticulously crafted paper sculptures might initially appear to exist in different realms, this conversation uncovers the artists’ shared commitment to their craft.

Episode 3: Language

Guests: Jazz Money and Katherine Hattam
Host: Sophie Gerhard
Note: Brooke Blurton was unexpectedly unavailable for this recording. Sophie Gerhard filled the role of host.

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. They reflect on how language, whether visual or written, can go beyond aesthetics, weaving their conversation through topics of medium, family, translation, and naming.

Episode 4: Fashion, adornment and the body

Guests: Kyra Mancktelow and Kelly Koumalatsos
Host: Brooke Blurton

In this episode, Kyra Mancktelow and Kelly Koumalatsos speak with Brooke about Fashion, Adornment, and the Body. As First Nations women, their insights offer profound and historically rich perspectives on garment making. Although the artists approach fashion from distinct angles, their work beautifully illuminates the evolution of body covering in Australia since before colonisation, and explores the deep connections between fashion, family, and identity.

Episode 5: The environment and its futures

Guests: Deanne Gilson and Pirjo Haikola
Hosts: Brooke Blurton and Michael Gentle

This episode explores the profound connection between art and the natural world, with a focus on the intricate relationship between culture, landscape, and preservation. While the guests may come from different worlds – Pirjo, a Finnish scuba diver and Deanne, a botanical, First Nations artist – they are united by a deep commitment to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of this country. Joining the conversation is Michael Gentle, First Nations curator at NGV, who guides listeners through the cultural significance of Deanne and Pirjo’s unique art practices.