Critical Times

Friends of the Earth photographic exhibition “Inhabited” opened to a packed gallery (and more waiting outside!) on Wednesday 20 February. The premiere exhibition kicking off Higher Ground’s Visual Arts program at their new location on Light Square, the exhibition was opened with a welcome from Kaurna elder Auntie Josie Agius.

“Inhabited features large-format photographic portraits and audio recordings of Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders and community members impacted by the nuclear industry, including Arabunna elder Kevin Buzzacott, Maralinga veteran Avon Hudson and Yankunytjatjara man Yami Lester among others. Following Prime Minister Rudd’s apology to the Stolen Generations last week, Inhabited opens in Adelaide at a historic time,” said photographer Jessie Boylan.

“In 2005, the then environment minister Brendan Nelson asked, ‘Why shouldn’t people living in the middle of nowhere have a radioactive waste dump on their land?’ Inhabited challenges the myth of “uninhabited” or “lifeless” places that seems to be promoted by supporters of the nuclear industry,” said Ms. Boylan.

“Indigenous communities and traditional owners continue to suffer the direct impacts of the nuclear industry, yet their voices are often the least heard. Inhabited provides a powerful opportunity to reflect on the industry’s legacy in Australia,” said Friends of the Earth campaigner Joel Catchlove.

Inhabited will be open 10.00am-9.00pm, every day throughout the Adelaide Fringe Festival, closing on March 16.

To view Inhabited online, visit http://www.sustenance.net.au/inhabited