THE BOOMERANG EFFECT: ABORIGINAL ARTS IN AUSTRALIA
by Vivian Holding
The MEG (Musée d’ethnographie de Genève) will unveil one of its finest collections on Thursday 18th May (from 6pm) at the Vernissage of The Boomerang Effect: The Aboriginal Arts in Australia Exhibition.
The exhibition will run from 19th May 2017 to 7th January 2018.
Visitors will be able to admire the wealth of indigenous Australia’s cultural heritage in a space resembling a contemporary art gallery with white walls, clean lines and neon writing.
What is the boomerang effect?
Attempts to suppress Aboriginal culture since 18th century colonisation, have ended up having the opposite outcome. The real boomerang effect is how the planned destruction of their culture has led the Aborigines to reinforce their identity and display unprecedented creativity.
Utilitarian objects and weapons such as boomerangs, throwing sticks, spears and shields will be on display, as well as artefacts used in exchanges between communities – engraved pearl shells and message sticks, all items extremely rarely seen in museums.
The Australian artist Brook Andrew, has been invited by the MEG to do a residency in the context of the exhibition. He focuses his own gaze on the culture and history of Australia’s first inhabitants.
Fancy tasting grilled Kangaroo?
On Thursday (18th May 2017), the opening night of the exhibition, the Café at the Museum will stay open until midnight. From 6.30pm, they are offering grilled Kangaroo served with a blueberry jam and fries as well as other less adventurous items (quiche, pasta, sandwiches, charcuterie and salads). A bar will be installed from 9pm onwards to accompany the evening’s free concert, including aboriginal music. To reserve your table, call 022 418 9086 or email megcafegeneve@icloud.com.
Musée d’ethnographie de Genève, 65 Boulevard Carl-Vogt, 1205 Genève.
Temporary exhibition entrance price: 9/6 CHF. Free for under 18s. Free admission on the first Sunday of the month.
For further information click here.