Second Skin – Essence of Country

The Koorie Heritage Trust is proud to present Second Skin – Essence of Country, a story of the resilience of Victorian First Peoples, Country and culture. Told through works and cultural belongings from the KHT Collections, Second Skin features possum skin cloaks, kangaroo skin headdresses, bags, shields, jewellery, and more.

Second Skin – Essence of Country celebrates the ongoing history and skill-full use of animal pelts by Victorian First Peoples to create cultural belongings and works of art. This exhibition resonates with the deep cultural significance that these belongings continue to hold, and the connections they enable – connections to each other, culture and Country.

Featured artists as represented in the KHT Collection include: William Barak (Wurundjeri); William Carter (Nharrang Clan of Wiradjuri Nation, and Pajong and Wallaballooa Clans of Ngunnawal Nation); Maree Clarke (Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti, Boonwurrung); Wally Cooper (Yorta Yorta); Vicki Couzens (Keeray Woorrong Gunditjmara); Lee Darroch (Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti, Boon Wurrung); Mick Harding (Taungwurrung); Val Heap (Yorta Yorta); Nola Kerr (Yorta Yorta, Jaara); Kelly Koumalatsos (Wergaia, Wamba Wamba); Cassie Leatham (Daungwurrung, DjaDjaWurrung); Gayle Maddigan (Wamba Wamba, Wertikgia); Teena Moffatt (Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai, Gunditjmara); Isobel Morphy-Walsh (Taun Wurrung); Kent Morris (Barkindji); Jenny Murray-Jones (Yorta Yorta); Mandy Nicholson (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja wurrung, Ngurai illum wurrung); Daryl Rose (Gunditjmara); Iluka Sax-Williams (Taungurung, Tibrean); Titta (Diana) Secombe (Jardwadjali, Gunditjmara); Len Tregonning (Gunai/Kurnai); Werrimul Art & Krafts; and Kevin Williams (Wiradjuri).