Cultural heritage informing artistic practice
- comms870
- Jul 14
- 1 min read
2024 Mason Family Trust Fellow, Joshua Searle, has completed his fellowship report and reflects on his experiences through an artistic and cultural lens.
Joshua's fellowship explored the techniques used in Indigenous Colombian goldsmithing and sculptural practice.
As a Colombian/Australian sculptor, Joshua's experiences while traveling allowed him to connect with his familial ties to Indigenous Colombian groups and ultimately develop his skill set as an artist.
Inspired by his fellowship journey, Joshua will hold his first solo exhibition in a major public gallery, showcasing his work and exploration of Colombian heritage and diasporic identity, as well as broader socio-cultural issues in Australia today.
His exhibit will be open from the 6th of September - 16th of November at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery.
While reflecting on his time in Colombia, Joshua stated,
"The title Bienvenido (Welcome) comes from the street signs welcoming you to Bogotá. It is the first thing you hear when arriving in a new space, and it was how I felt meeting my family in Colombia. It felt like I was arriving home for the first time. This exhibition is a celebration of that journey home"
Joshua's fellowship report, titled "Indigenous Goldsmithing and Ceramic Sculptural Practices in Colombia," is available to read on our website now.
This blog beautifully explores how cultural heritage shapes and inspires artistic practice, showing how traditions can influence creativity in meaningful ways. It’s fascinating to see how artists draw from their roots to create something that speaks to both history and modern perspectives. While reading this, I couldn’t help but think about how travel broadens understanding of different cultures, especially during Backpacking Trips that expose people to unique customs and art forms. Experiences like these not only spark new ideas but also deepen appreciation for the diverse stories behind every piece of art. Truly an inspiring and thoughtful discussion to read.