Artist Bibi Barba has partnered with Link Housing to showcase the No Place Like Home exhibition:Justin Lloyd
While the world is despairing over this pandemic and self-isolation, leave it to much-loved artist Bibi Barba to add some light and positivity.
The renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist has joined community housing provider Link Housing to launch its first virtual online gallery.
The exhibition will showcase artworks, including video, poetry, sculptures and photographs reflecting the theme No Place Like Home. As a patron of the event, Bibi is excited about the artworks that have been produced for the event, which will go live on September 1.
“As an artist of 35 years, I sit on different boards to critique art — I know good art when I see it,” she says.
Having studied law at UTS and liaising with Indigenous artists to protect their work, Bibi is frustrated by the influx of fake art on the market.
“I had my work ripped off by someone in Poland and we’re allowing fake art that is made in Bali to be shipped here. Aboriginal stories that are thousands of years old are passed off as commercial art — they have no connection at all to community,” she says.
“I want to focus on art that is wholesome and authentic.”
Something to remind Bibi of her mother. Picture:Justin Lloyd
Ceramic bowl:
This is mum’s (artist Lorna Morgan) first pottery piece. I have it on my shelf in my kitchen so she’s always close to me, even though she’s just a phone call away
Therese Ryder artwork
Therese Ryder artwork:
I bought this in Alice Springs and I just love the ghost gum tree in the front and the MacDonnell Ranges at the back. Therese is related to Albert Namatjira.
Woven basket from Bula’bula Arts
Woven basket:
I went out to country about five years ago and purchased this at Bula’bula Arts. There was a beautiful dark twirl in the middle, but the dye has faded a bit. It’s just so beautiful.
Rock from Mystery Bay where Bibi’s grandmother was born
Rock:
This is from the Tilba Tilba. My (paternal) grandmother was born at Mystery Bay (on the NSW far south coast). My sister and I visited the area and took a piece of rock with us to connect us to country.
Banksia jar:
This also came from Tilba Tilba. I purchased this from an arts and craft shop. It had eucalyptus oil poured into it, so it not only was from country, but it had the smell of country too.
Pieces gifted to Bibi from her grandmother, Doreen Barba
Perfume bottle with porcupine quill:
This is so very elegant and came from my grandmother Doreen Barba’s collection. It’s a beautiful old perfume bottle from the 1930s or so. The porcupine quill belonged to my grandmother and it’s another lovely reminder of family.
Artist Bibi Barba at home with her favorite things, in Kirribilli, today. Picture:Justin Lloyd
Earrings:
I bought these in The Strand Arcade. I wanted something to remind me of water, so I was drawn to the turquoise. I also love silver, so they were a perfect match for me. I wear them everywhere.
Bibi’s own artwork on a silk canvas
Oyster Dreaming on silk canvas:
I designed this based on the Kirribilli oyster shells which are embedded in the rock face. It’s such a beautiful piece. It’s in silk canvas, which I invented.
50th birthday present
Cushion:
This was a gift from a friend for my 50th birthday. It’s such as special gift that they bought in Darwin and fits in perfectly with the feel of my place.
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