We Bleed The Same

The next exhibition at Griffith Regional Art Gallery celebrates diversity and unity with photographic and documentary accounts of racism in the 21st century.

The journey begins in Australia through the lens of First Nations people followed by immigrants and refugees - questioning and demonstrating who we are as a nation.

Exhibition Curator, award-winning journalist and film-maker Liz Deep-Jones said the 36 people featured in the stunning portraits taken by Tim Bauer were from varied backgrounds, religion and race.

“They champion human rights and also share their extraordinary stories in our film, recounting a past of disturbing memories - fleeing persecution, the Holocaust, caught in conflicts, ethnic cleansing - the horrors of human cruelty,” Ms Deep-Jones said.

One of those portrayed in the exhibition, Subhi Bora, a Uyghur/Uzbek immigrant said her parents cam to Australia to give their family opportunities, to live without fear and for freedom - the freedom to be Uyghur.

“I’m grateful my parents chose to come to Australia and it’s really heartbreaking to realise if they stayed in Xingjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in East Turkistan, it could have been me in those internment camps,.” Ms Bora said.

Ms Deep-Jones said the exhibition explored and raised questions about racism, who we are as a nation and who we want to be.

“What action are we talking to live and work together in a more peaceful and inclusive society,” Ms Deep-Jones said.

“What are we doing to confront racism and quell its power?

“We honour all of the incredible people in our exhibition who have been brave enough to share their truth and give power to their stories.

“I am also grateful to them for trusting us with sharing their stories in our exhibitions and platforms.

“Rather than stay silent they have risen and empowered all of us.

“We are all citizens of the world and it’s our duty to combat racism, fight for equality and welcome everyone so we have a sense of belonging.

“We matter and we are equal.

‘We Bleed The Same' is about you, me, and humanity.”

This exhibition and documentary are supported by the Freilich Project at the Australian National University.

The exhibition opens at 6pm on Friday 10 November 2023 and exhibition curator, Liz-Deep Jones will give an insightful talk about the themes present in the exhibition at 11 am on Saturday, November 11.

Entry is free and light refreshments will be provided at both events.

The exhibition will run from Saturday, November 11 to Sunday, December 17.

Gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm and weekends from11 am to 2 pm.

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