A new beginning for local Aboriginal art | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

SETTING UP: Preparing for The Year of the Apology exhibition at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in Ballina which opened l

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd's apology to the Stolen Generations on February 13 was a 'very emotional' time for Ballina artist Joanne Lapic.

"It's a time of new beginnings," the Aboriginal woman said.

And 'new beginnings' is the theme for her work which will be exhibited at the Northern Rivers Community Gallery in the exhibition The Year of The Apology which opened yesterday and runs until June 29.

Joanna has been painting for about 10 years, and her works have been exhibited at galleries around the region.

Frances Belle Parker, Indigenous arts development officer for Arts Northern Rivers, has co-ordinated the exhibition which will feature works of about 50 artists from the region.

She said it was interesting to see each artist's reaction to the apology.

"Every Aboriginal person has their own reaction to the apology," she said.

"Who would ever have thought that 'one little word' could make such a difference?

"Sorry is the word we had been longing to hear for so long."

This is the first exhibition Frances has run, and she said it was 'extremely special' that it had the theme of the apology, particularly as this week is Reconciliation Week.

She said the Ballina gallery was a 'wonderful space' to showcase Aboriginal artists' works in a non-competitive way.

"The Indigenous art within the region should not be typified into one form or style," she said.

"It is important to acknowledge the inspiration drawn from both personal, local and outside influences.

"As Aboriginal people, the art we create will always be Aboriginal art."

The Northern Rivers Community Gallery, at 44 Cherry Street, Ballina, is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm.