Learn about the practice of Dharug multidisciplinary artist and designer Leanne Tobin in a yarn with Coby Edgar, Curator of Strategic Projects, First Nations at the Powerhouse Museum, and multidisciplinary creative Nicole Monks.
Leanne Tobin is a multidisciplinary artist of Irish, English and Aboriginal heritage descending from the Buruberong and Wumali clans of the Dharug, the traditional Aboriginal people of the Greater Sydney region. Leanne works collaboratively with community groups, local schools and institutions using her art to tell local stories and to evoke an environmental conscience and respect towards the land and its original people. Her art practice seeks to encourage an open and honest dialogue about the past and to nurture, respect and care for Country, paying homage to our Old People and their legacy.
Nicole Monks is a multi-disciplinary creative of Yamaji Wajarri, Dutch and English heritage living and working on Worimi and Awabakal Country (Newcastle). Monks’ practice is informed by her cross-cultural identity, using storytelling as a way to connect the past with the present and future. Her works take a conceptual approach that are embedded with narratives and aim to promote conversation and connection. An award-winning designer and artist, Monks crosses disciplines to work with furniture and objects, textiles, video, installation and performance. Across these varied forms of contemporary art and design, her work reflects Aboriginal philosophies of sustainability, innovation and collaboration. Monks is well known for her success as a solo and collaborative artist and founder of design practice blackandwhite creative as well as public art company mili mili.
Coby Ann Edgar is a Larrakia, Jingili, Anglo, Filipino, queer, cis woman from Darwin. She is currently the curator of Strategic Projects, First Nations at the Powerhouse Museum. With over 10 years of experience working in government positions across education, galleries, and museums she is invested in how First Nations and non-First Nations people work together across industries, especially the arts sector.
