Herstory – on at the Western Plains Cultural Centre 14 Feb – 16 May 2021 – detail photos below

Herstory – detail shots

“You don’t know where you’re going, if you don’t know where you have been”

Maya Angelou

New South Wales

Dubbo artist explores rich history of women in regional NSW

February 11, 2021 at 4:43 pm

Ahead of International Women’s Month in March, Dubbo-based artist Coral Dolan has busily been preparing to show her mixed media installation at the Western Plains Cultural Centre (WPCC). Herstory explores and celebrates the lives of women in regional NSW. This multi-layered body of work pays homage to their skills and memory, as Dolan sheds light on the importance of preserving their personal and cultural stories.

“I’ve drawn inspiration from the success and hardships that regional women faced in the 1800s. It was this connection of wanting to understand more about past communities and my own identity that I started to explore their stories and the important role community plays in times of hardship and struggle,” said Ms Dolan.

The installation art uses two-dimensional elements which are in the shape of discs. The discs are made out of a combination of mediums including eco-printed and cyanotype fabrics. Cyanotype fabrics involve a sun-printing process and is one of the earliest photographic techniques ever developed. The work also uses embroidering threads, and preserved flowers and leaves which have been sealed within preserving wax. These discs create a story, attempting to capture the untold stories of these women, before they risk being forgotten.

“I’ve combined old and new skills, to re-examine the concept of female identity using materials and techniques that were traditionally considered “female”. For example, embroidery and dressmaking were key roles associated with women’s work, particularly in the 1800s,” said Ms Dolan.

Ultimately, her work aims to highlight the importance of these skills of the past and creates a direct link to the present through reaffirming traditional craft within the realms of contemporary art, highlighting the ever changing role of women.

“We’re very excited to be able to welcome Coral Dolan to the Western Plains Cultural Centre. It’s the first time in four years since we’ve had a Dubbo-based artist exhibit as part of the HomeGround program. Herstory is an exhibition where DRC’s Cultural Development staff have worked alongside Coral Dolan for the last two years to develop and provide support and guidance, and nurture her artistic practice. Over the coming weeks we are looking forward to working with her to deliver this exhibition,” said Dubbo Regional Council curator Mariam Abboud.

Dolan’s work will be on display at the WPCC from 13 February to 16 May 2021. Like all exhibitions at the WPCC, entry is free to the public. An artist talk will also be held on Saturday 20 February 2021, and registrations are essential.

Image caption: Artist Coral Dolan with her installation at WPCC | Herstory installation hanging in WPCC

Source: DRC

December 2020

Well what a year 2020 has been. It has been such a mixed bag, with some lovely highs, and wonderful opportunities that have stretched my learning and skill set. It has also been a year some big challenges, loss of freedom, and work opportunities. Contact with friends and family has reduced to the digital platforms, which have been incredibly vital for staying in touch. I will not be sad to leave 2020 behind, and I strive to look forward positively to the New Year in that I feel hopeful like many others that it will be one full of opportunities.

I will strive to have regular post updates on this page as the year progresses, which will let you know what I have been doing, and what is coming up next. Take care, see you in the New Year.