Charles and Barbara Blackman exhibition catalogue sovereignty is at the centre

sovereignty is at the centre of these actions

This stirring account documents the centuries-long struggle of gifted women who confronted the exclusionary tactics of a male-dominated art establishment but pressed ahead undaunted to gain acceptance as sought-after professionals

reflecting a moment of re-evaluation and the ongoing struggle for First Nations authority and self-determination

and patronage perpetuate inequalities

Charles and Barbara Blackman exhibition catalogue sovereignty is at the centreWhen Christabel Blackmans mother turned ninety, they celebrated by sifting through Barbaras old documents: diaries, photos, manuscripts and a fragile old folder, tied with a ribbon. This held letters from a love long past between Christabels parents. It was a portal into a decade of art and love between Charles and Barbara Blackman. Set against the burgeoning cultural art scene of 1950s Melbourne, among the soon to become legendary artists of the