Written by Saanvi Datta
Songlines are ancient pathways across Australia which trace the journey of ancient female spirits who create the lore of the land. Also known as Seven Sisters Dreaming Tracks, they are deeply tied to the aboriginal culture of the country as they represent elemental tales that connect people.
Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), Delhi, in collaboration with the Australian High Commission, is currently presenting ‘Walking through a Songline’, an exhibition showcasing a rich tapestry reflecting the Australian cultural heritage. It showcases the tradition and vibrant narratives of the Australian indigenous communities besides offering the visitors a unique opportunity to engage with work symbolising the Seven Sisters Songlines.
With the aim of understanding these stories in the present, the exhibition is attempting to realise this vision through ‘Third Archive’, a new archival form demonstrating the use of Western knowledge systems in integrating a more profound comprehension of shared environments.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a digital display featuring Indigenous people introducing themselves and sharing their stories. On walking further, one figures that the space of the museum has been designed to mimic and narrate the journey of different songlines, where each section was dedicated to an aspect of the tradition – from covering the region of Wurray to the story of Goorrandalng – a dreamtime story on a special place at Keep River National Park which possesses the power to grant fertility to visiting women. It is also believed that in ancient times, women who journeyed to Goorrandalng were transformed into brolgas (the Australian Crane).
The digital projections and interactive puzzles are the main attractions of the show. Another significant moment during the exhibition is the appearance of the Australian High Commissioner, Philip Green, who has played a pivotal role in emphasising the importance of this cultural exchange. The High Commissioner expressed profound appreciation for KNMA and his team’s efforts in bringing Indigenous Australian culture to an international audience. “There are many parts of Australian society that we are proud of. But there is none that we are more proud of than our Indigenous parts,” said Green.
“This exhibition is happening at the pinnacle of Australia’s long and happy relationship with India. We have always been friends, but now we are strategically aligned. Now we have a strong economy and complementary activity that works together…They are one of the largest communities and the fastest growing communities in our nation, who are making enormous contributions to us. So, for all of those reasons, it is our immense privilege to be able to bring Songlines to you,” Green had said at the opening of the exhibition in May.
The exhibition is on till July 10.
(Saanvi Datta is an intern with The Indian Express)