Details

Last Updated: Thursday, 19 June 2025 09:38

Published: Thursday, 19 June 2025 09:38

Images and stories of eight Indigenous Elders feature in Jim Filmer’s exhibition, Shared Words – Lives Lived, which is on display at Crows Nest Gallery from June 25 to July 27, 2025.

As Australian communities grapple with acknowledging and connecting to Aboriginal culture, the world's oldest continuous civilization, photographer Jim Filmer aims to bridge the gap by showcasing the lives of the Indigenous Elders in his exhibition.

After slowly and carefully gaining the trust and respect of project participants, their stories were recorded and images created.

Filmer’s project uncovered moving and inspiring stories of quiet, unassuming people, their personal hardships and resilience.

The exhibition features simply recorded videos alongside large-scale black and white portraits, each presented on sheer fabric.

The exhibition challenges homogeneous perceptions, inviting viewers to see beyond stereotypes, fostering respectful, nuanced intercultural dialogue and a deeper understanding of Aboriginal individuals and their unique stories.

Jim Filmer is a visual artist and photographer who lives and works in the Brisbane Valley, a region where the lands of several First Nations intersect, including the Yugara, Ugarapul, Jagera, Dungibara, and Jinibara peoples.

Filmer’s work is deeply rooted in researching and narrating social issues close to his heart.

The exhibition’s Artist in Conversation event will be held from 11am to noon on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

For more information, please see: www.tr.qld.gov.au/crowsnestgallery

Enquiries about the exhibition can be directed to Crows Nest Gallery on (07) 4698 1687 or crowsnestart@tr.qld.gov.au.

Crows Nest Gallery, at the corner of the New England Highway and William Street, Crows Nest is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays.

Images:
1. Jim FILMER / Aunty Rhonda 2024 / digital print on sheer fabric / 185 x 140 cm / © Jim Filmer (top)

2. Jim FILMER / Uncle Ernie 2024 / digital print on sheer fabric / 185 x 140 cm / © Jim Filmer

3. Jim FILMER / Uncle Rossi 2024 / digital print on sheer fabric / 185 x 140 cm / © Jim Filmer (bottot)