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 stringy bark and red gum 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
Stringy bark canoe
2023
Stringy bark canoe workshop at Millowl Phillip island with Baluk Arts
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