“Our stories are the oldest stories in the world. Our Ancestors passed these stories down to us over thousands of years and across hundreds of generations.”
KEEPERS OF THE FLAME is the first major solo presentation of works by Norm Stanley and Nikki McKenzie. Together, as Wurri-ki Art and Wurri-ki Culture, they create, educate, and celebrate their knowledge practices as First Nations individuals, partners, and collaborators.
“We are creating our own stories of life and Culture as we live and continue on in our Ancestors’ footsteps. We are the oldest storytellers in the World and we are proud to belong to the oldest surviving storytellers in History. Now we have a role to play, we have become the holders of these stories. We are now the Keepers of the Flame.”
“’Keepers of the Flame.’ This is an integral piece of my belief system. When I first started thinking about the most suitable title for our exhibition, I kept coming back to this. Everything we learn becomes our knowledge to carry. Every story we hear becomes a part of that knowledge. Every lesson we are taught becomes a part of that knowledge. It builds strength inside. It establishes a powerful foundation on which to build more knowledge and strength.
“What we learn isn’t ours to keep like a secret. It’s ours to pass on, to share. It’s not an obligation. It’s a responsibility.
“Obligation is an act that an individual is morally bound to do. A responsibility is a duty that you are required or expected to do. I am responsible for the knowledge I hold. The knowledge shared with me by my senior people, my elders and old people is shared with me with the expectation that I will honour them and pass on that knowledge. That knowledge becomes the “flame”.
“It is my responsibility to take care of my flame. I use my hands to protect that flame. To allow it to burn. I use my hands to share through Art, through music and through writing. Sharing Culture, connection and understanding. Giving respect and paying respect to those who connect with me. My hands become the shield that protects the knowledge, the flame. My hands become an important part of passing on the stories that were passed on to me. This is responsibility. A role I have to fulfil.
“I am the “Keeper of the Flame.”
– Norm Jurrawaa Stanley
‘Keepers of the Flame’ exhibition is on in Gallery One at Platform Arts (the old Courthouse) until Sept 22. Open Mon – Fri 9-5pm.
For sales and enquiries, please contact curator@platformarts.org.au
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