In recognition of the Conference’s lasting connection with Lorne, the “Diversity and Inclusion” sub-committee proposed to fund the use of an artwork that would reflect our respect for the region and its community. We are aware of the Aire River massacre of Gadubanud people and dispersal of the Aboriginal people of the Otway Ranges. We extend our respect to the continuing community of the Eastern Maar people, the traditional owners of south-western Victoria.

Maree Clarke is a celebrated Mutti Mutti/Wamba Wamba/Yorta Yorta/Boonwurrung artist who has been living and working in Naarm/Melbourne for the last three decades.  The artist has had a long association with the arts community in Lorne, including participating in the Lorne Sculpture Biennale: Spirit of Place in 2021 with her land-based artwork, Remember Me – an installation utilising the native trees lining the path to Lorne’s pier to reflect – both literally and figuratively – upon the number and diversity of the 38 Indigenous tribes/languages in the state of Victoria.

 Maree has been instrumental in the revification of traditional cultural material including river reed necklaces, which were given as a sign of friendship and safe passage through Country.  Maree’s contemporary supersized 5Om long river reed necklaces also reflect the enormity of loss of Indigenous land, language and cultural practices. 

More recently, Maree’s interest in the river reed has seen her consult and collaborate with the University of Melbourne’s Histology Platform, examining the microscopic structure of river reed cells to consider the micro systems of material memory, place and space.

Please note conditions and/or copyright by-line to accompany the reproduction:

Copyright Maree Clarke, courtesy the artist and Vivien Anderson Gallery, Melbourne

The following Artwork Credit will also appear in print and digital publication:

Maree Clarke, now you see me: seeing the invisible #38 2023, coloured microscopy image.