19 July - 24 July
Published on 16 July 2026
Atong Atem visited the Shoalhaven over July 14-15 running a school holiday photographic workshop at Wreck Bay as part of a partnership between Shoalhaven Regional Gallery and Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council. She also gave an artist talk at the Gallery.
The workshop was an intensive two-day experience. Kids worked with Atong to develop costume ideas and were supported by staff from the Gallery in sourcing props, materials and outfits. The kids were interested in aliens, science fiction, high fashion, surfing, popular culture and gender fluid fashion, among other themes. Kids made masks, developed outfits and looks and worked with Atong to create poses and backdrops. The final photos will be edited by Atong and the shared with the kids and on social media - make sure you follow the Gallery's account to see them.
The conversation between Atong and Gallery Director Zanny Begg booked out with over 50 people gathering at the Gallery for a fascinating conversation on the African traditions of portraiture, the power of the gaze, Afro-futurism, Blackness and decolonisation.
Atong's visit was supported by Create NSW two-year multi-year funding and coincided with the last week of Atong's exhibition Portraits at the Gallery. Portraits remains open until 18 July in North Gallery.