The Araluen Arts Centre is proud to present Unfinished Business, an exhibition of 3D lenticular portraits, on July 8 as part of NAIDOC week celebrations.

Director of Araluen Cultural Precinct Dr Mark Crees said the exhibition by photographer Belinda Mason showcased intimate and moving portraits which tell the stories of 30 people with disability from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Ms Mason said the portraits drew attention to the individual personal journey of Indigenous Australians living with a disability, and created a greater awareness of the issues that impact their lives.

“The exhibition highlights how these people’s stories are intertwined with Australia’s political and social history, and how this has resulted in unacceptably high rates of disability in Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities,” Ms Mason said. 

Dr Crees said the 3D holographic portraits in this exhibition, evoked a closer emotional connection to the individuals represented.

“The people in Mason’s portraits come from a broad range of experiences, from urban, regional and remote communities, and live with a spectrum of disability,” Dr Crees said. 

“Unfinished Business seeks to challenge existing prejudices and misconceptions about Aboriginal people living with disabilities. 

“This exhibition is very inspiring and I am really looking forward for our visitors coming and seeing it,” Dr Crees said.

“Each story has been told with consultation and respect ensuring dignity is upheld,” Ms Mason said.

Accompanying the exhibition is a narrative-style video interview of each participant, made by Dieter and Liam Knierim.

The exhibition will officially be opened by Mavis Wayne at 3pm on Friday 8 July in the Sitzler Galley at Araluen Arts Centre. The opening will follow the NAIDOC Week Community Day on the lawns of the Alice Springs Town Council.

Unfinished Business will run until Sunday 21 August. Visitors will be able to experience the exhibition from 10am each day, thanks to the new extended weekend opening hours at Araluen. 

For more information about the artist and the exhibition visit: unfinishedbusiness.net.au/ belindamason.com   

Media contact – Jordan Raymond-Monro, 8999 4726