Overview

Maree Clarke: Seeing the Invisible showcases newly made, supersized Reed Necklaces by Yorta Yorta/Wamba Wamba/Mutti Mutti/Boonwurrung artist Maree Clarke. Monumental in scale, these striking works honour the cultural strength and story of the original objects—calling attention to their beauty and the deep loss felt by her people.

Clarke's practice draws on extensive research into the history of cultural materials held in national and international collections. Her work is grounded in community, connection to Country, and cultural revival. As part of this project, Clarke spent time in Canberra with the historic Ginninderry Reed Necklace, made in 1862 by Aboriginal girls and gifted to Emma Minnie Palmer on the eve of her wedding. Now on loan from Catherine Palmer, this necklace is on display in the Canberra/Kamberri exhibition at Canberra Museum and Gallery.

A pioneering artist and curator based in Naarm/Melbourne, Maree Clarke has been central to the resurgence of Southeast Australian Aboriginal cultural practices for more than three decades, reviving the making of possum skin cloaks, kangaroo tooth and river reed necklaces, among others.

This exhibition was developed by Canberra Museum and Gallery with support from the ANU Humanities Research Centre, 2024 Everywhen Fellowship, Canberra Glassworks, and the Ginninderry Trust. Clarke is represented by Vivien Anderson Gallery, Melbourne.