2021

Blak Dot Gallery First Nations

Artist Residency

We are thrilled to announce the Blak Dot Gallery First Nations Artist Residency recipients Michael Jalaru Torres in collaboration with Veisinia Tonga and Gina Ropiha.

In partnership with Moreland City Council, Blak Dot would like to congratulate the recipients on their residencies as they expand their practice in one of Australia’s most thriving arts communities.

The artists will develop their project in our gallery space and Blakademy from the 22nd March - 11th April, with potential for the final outcomes to be exhibited at Blak Dot Gallery.

The Artists:

Michael Jalaru Torres

Michael is an Indigenous photographer and media professional from Broome, Western Australia, who is now currently based in Naarm Melbourne, Victoria.

As a Djugan and Yawuru man with tribal connections to Jabirr Jabirr and Gooniyandi people, he is inspired by the unique landscapes and people of the Kimberley region, which feature prominently in his work.

“My photography draws on my own stories and personal history and explores contemporary social and political issues facing Indigenous people. Much of my work involves conceptual and innovative portraiture and abstract landscape photography.

Through my portraits of people taken ‘on country’ I promote positive and individualised representations of Indigenous people. I also incorporate etching, drawing and other design work into my conceptual photography, combining traditional and iconic Kimberley imagery within a modern aesthetic.”

Veisina Tonga

 Veisinia Tonga is a Kakala (plant material) Artist. A settler who is creating on the lands of the Kulin Nations. Veisinia marries her training in western floristry with her traditional kakala knowledge to create installations with plant material gleaned from her surroundings. Plants in Tonga tell stories of place and are often symbolic of lineage and legends. Veisinia is interested in examining how this can evolve on a foreign land using foreign kakala.

Gina Ropiha

Gina Ropiha (Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāti Kere, Ngāti Raukawa/Ngāti Rakau) is a practising artist who hails from Heretaunga (Hastings) and is based in Naarm (Melbourne, Australia). Working primarily with found and repurposed objects, Ropiha’s art reflects her experience addressing the harsh realities and tests of living as an indigenous woman within colonised lands, while trying to maintain a sense of Māoritanga (Māori culture) and grace.