Mitch Mahoney
2024
Installation view of Mitch Mahoney's red gum canoe commission, possum skin cloak and river reed canoe for 'My Country: Country Road + NGV First Nations Commissions', Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Melbourne
Photo: Tom Ross
BORN
1997
COUNTRY
BOONWURRUNG / BARKINDJI
BIRTHPLACE
MILDURA, VIC
LIVES
MELBOURNE, VIC
Growing up, I was always told that you should be proud of who you are and where you come from. For me, my art is who I am – it's where I've been and where I'm going – and increasingly it has also become the people I meet and the Country I walk on. ”
— Mitch Mahoney
Born in North-West Victoria along the banks of the Murray River, Mitch Mahoney is a Boonwurrung/Barkindji artist who grew up in Mildura and the Hunter Valley. He currently splits his time between Melbourne and regional NSW.
As a multidisciplinary artist, Mitch focuses on the revitalisation of South-Eastern Aboriginal practices, creating cultural items such as possum skin cloaks, traditional river reed and bark canoes, and kangaroo tooth necklaces. He also specialises in line drawings and South-Eastern Aboriginal design. His art reflects his Country and the natural connection he feels to all that it supports, creates and provides, and the ever-changing influence it has on him.
Mitch Mahoney |
Lines on Country
2019
sand cast and engraved glass, acrylic paint
Exhibited: 'Translating Traditions' (joint exhibition with Maree Clarke), Canberra Glassworks, 2019
Mitch Mahoney |
Possum skin cloak
'Wrapped in Culture' commission, Ottawa Art Gallery, 2017
Image courtesy of Rosalie Favell
Mitch Mahoney |
River reed canoe
2023
River reed canoe making workshop at Maitland Regional Art Gallery
At the core of my practice is the desire to learn and share knowledge – to create works that contribute to the continuation of cultural practices and the preservation of Country. I have great pride and passion in and for my people, my land and our future.”
— Mitch Mahoney
Mitch Mahoney |
Welcome to Country – Now You See Me (concept design)
2024
4.2 x 10 metre tapestry commission with Maree Clarke and Australian Tapestry Workshop for Footscray Hospital