Keen for a culture fix that'll get you out of the sweltering heat this summer? Three Journeys, Perth’s latest sensory feast, has just launched at the WA Museum Boola Bardip ready to thrill, delight and enlighten audiences of all ages. This moving exhibit tracks the magnificent history of Aboriginal people's connection to land and space and is a testament to the ingenious storytelling traditions of the Aboriginal culture.
This immersive storytelling experience transcends boundaries and celebrates the rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture with the culmination of three traveling exhibitions: Bush Mechanics, Cleverman, and Warnarral Ngoorrngoorrool.
Offering a free invitation to immerse yourself in the powerful and contemporary expression of Aboriginal creation stories, the experience promises to be a powerful multimodal concoction exploring outlandish cars, multimedia interactives, and emotionally-evocative sculptures.
Here’s what to expect at the Three Journeys exhibition taking place between December and February at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Bush Mechanics
Step into the world of Bush Mechanics, inspired by the popular ABC television series co-created by David Batty and Francis Jupurrurla Kelly. Through the show's distinctive humour, witness the ingenuity of outback mechanics who turn branches, spinifex, and sand into tools and spare parts, reviving cars stranded in the vast Australian landscape. The exhibition features original cars, clay figurines to play with, commissioned artwork, and interactive displays, providing broader insights into the modes of transportation and how they interplay with the barren conditions of the bush.
Cleverman
Based on the groundbreaking dystopian sci-fi ABC TV series, Cleverman explores Aboriginal origin stories within a contemporary context, delving into themes of class, racism, and power. Immerse yourself in an exhibition that combines video, audio, and tangible objects, showcasing the making of Cleverman. View original props, costumes, and make-up from the series, as well as bespoke designs by Weta Workshop, complemented by artwork from the original comic book series.
Warnarral Ngoorrngoorrool
Meaning "old car" in Gija language, Warnarral Ngoorrngoorrool is a stellar sonic and visual reflection of story and landscape. Born out of a collaboration between the Warmun Aboriginal community and Tura, this illuminated sculpture, crafted from a 1980s Mazda ute, fuses sculptural work, visual artwork, and a one-of-a-kind sonic instrument. Accompanied by projection mapping and audio-visual interpretation, you’ll be mesmorised by this intertwining of lightscapes, art, percussion and ingenuity.
Perfect for visitors from two to 102 years old, Three Journeys is a touching journey through the rugged Western Australian outback, connecting visitors with the language, creativity, and narratives that continue to shape the profound and unique Aboriginal culture. Led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives in a time where education is more important than ever, this exhibition stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of Aboriginal peoples.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with the WA Museum Boola Bardip. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: WA Museum Boola Bardip