Summary

These miniature baskets are based on historical baskets made by Koorie Ancestors in Museums Victoria collections. The artist Eva Pointing used the weaving technique of coiling, a method that is customary to Victoria and the South East. Her works are an example of the ever evolving practice of weaving in Victoria.

These baskets were inspired by going into the 'back of house' collection stores. Eva was compelled to make baskets that not only spoke to the historical baskets in the collection and what her Ancestors were making, but in a way that she could "bring all that behind there into view". The scale also meant people could wear the baskets as pendants and that the baskets were visible. Eva states "putting them in the small bottles is to treasure them, which is the message, to treasure them and to be able to see them".

Interview with artist Eva Ponting, March 2019, Gallery Kaiela Shepparton.

Physical Description

Miniature basket in glass phial with cork stopper. Ochre/orange dye.

Significance

Eva Pointing is a Gunditjmara weaver based in Shepparton. Eva is a senior Victorian Koorie weaver and plays an important role in contemporary weaving practice in Australia. Eva is a member of Gallery Kaiela Incorporated which is a community owned and run studio gallery in Shepparton Victoria. The gallery represents Koorie artists from across Kaiela Dungala country, or more commonly known as the Goulburn Murray region. Gallery Kaiela supports artists in cultural development and the regeneration of south eastern mark making whilst having a focus on education about Koorie culture for the local area. Eva has been a significant member of the gallery and arts teacher in the community both at the gallery with the Koorie Art Course at Shepparton Tafe.

Eva has showed at Bunjialka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Melbourne Museum in the group exhibition Nitet Yapeneyepuk, Gather Together in 2015 at Birrarung Gallery, and has researched over many years the Museums Victoria collection of south eastern baskets which she has taken inspiration from for her works. Eva has also worked closely with the Koorie Heritage Trust fibre works collection.

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