A NEW art exhibition featuring local Indigenous artists celebrating bonyi culture was officially opened in Maleny on February 12.
Bonyi: Living Culture is a two-month
series of events at art space Munnimbah-dja, above Forest Heart Nursery.
The event gathers together past and contemporary bonyi stories, through the creative works of Aunty Beverly Hand, BJ Murphy, Jo-Anne Driessens, Shannon Brett, Libby Harward, Dominique Chen and Kieron Anderson.
Co-curators Libby and Dominique described the exhibition as “testimony to the ongoing and regenerative connection of our people to the bonyi, our culture and each other”.
“Living culture is not static moments. It’s transformative and relational,” Dominique told GC&M News.
“This program is about the revitalisation and activation of that culture and this active public program is about sharing this knowledge.”
The art space itself has been curated with bonyi-inspired works, including photography, drawings, prints and installations from artists including Jason Murphy, Cholena Hughs and Karen Shaw.
It is complemented by a strong public program across February and March including ferments and bonyi shucking and roasting. Other events include kids and adult printmaking, clapstick making and yarning circles.
Check out www.munnimbahdja.com for more information.
Main image: Dominique Chen and Libby Harward
Amelia Hughes, 12, tries a roasted bunya 
Libby Harward and BJ Murphy 
Bunya nuts being boiled on the fire 
BJ Murphy holds a smoking ceremony at the official opening of Bonyi: Living Culture at Munnimbah-dja. 
Artworks at Munnimbah-dja 
Artwork by BJ Murphy 
Artist BJ Murphy 
Patrons listen to Aunty Beverly Hand