Warrnambool Art Gallery
Upon the Breath Poyeempa Exhibition
CASE STUDY
Gunditjmara Elder Aunty Charmaine Clarke is a truth-teller and fierce advocate for First Nations people. We were honoured to help bring Aunty Charmaine’s extraordinary vision to life—serving as a vessel to elevate her powerful storytelling, grounded in truth-telling, Country, and healing.
The brief
Commissioned by Warrnambool Art Gallery as part of the Maar Nation Gallery’s Aboriginal-led Legacy Initiative, Aunty Charmaine was invited to create a body of work that would offer deep reflection on history and healing. Our brief was simple: support Charmaine to tell her story, her way.
Our Approach
From the outset, it was clear our role was to facilitate and support this project. We approached the work with care, humility and deep respect, ensuring that Aunty Charmaine’s voice, intent and creative direction guided every decision. We understood our job was to help hold the space—technically, creatively and relationally—so her vision could unfold authentically.
We worked closely with Aunty Charmaine to develop two pieces: Songs of the Bones and What Do You See When You See Me? Throughout both, we maintained a responsive, flexible process led by Aunty Charmaine’s voice and cultural authority. For Songs of the Bones, we brought in the excellent and very talented illustrator / animator Lee Arkapaw to collaborate with us and Aunty Charmaine, again ensuring her creative leadership remained central.
The result is a layered and deeply moving suite of audiovisual work, honoured with an AMaGA Victoria Archival Survival Award. The recognition belongs to Aunty Charmaine, and we’re proud to have supported her in bringing it to the world.
Our Approach
From the outset, it was clear our role was to facilitate and support this project. We approached the work with care, humility and deep respect, ensuring that Aunty Charmaine’s voice, intent and creative direction guided every decision. We understood our job was to help hold the space—technically, creatively and relationally—so her vision could unfold authentically.
We worked closely with Aunty Charmaine to develop two pieces: Songs of the Bones and What Do You See When You See Me? Throughout both, we maintained a responsive, flexible process led by Aunty Charmaine’s voice and cultural authority. For Songs of the Bones, we brought in the excellent and very talented illustrator / animator Lee Arkapaw to collaborate with us and Aunty Charmaine, again ensuring her creative leadership remained central.
The result is a layered and deeply moving suite of audiovisual work, honoured with an AMaGA Victoria Archival Survival Award. The recognition belongs to Aunty Charmaine, and we’re proud to have supported her in bringing it to the world.
Watch the exhibition suite below
CHARMAINE CLARKE | SONGS OF THE BONES (ANIMATION)
CHARMAINE CLARKE | WHAT DO YOU SEE WHEN YOU SEE ME? (FILM)
