Layers of Blak bring beauty to an ugly and brutal history

Conversation with Sammy Trist (Taungurung) and Dominic White (Palawa) two of the participating artists and designers whose jewellery creations are displayed in the Layers of Blak exhibition at the Koorie Heritage Trust (01/10/2022-19/02/2023)

Sammy Trist (Taungurung) Damselfly Dreaming 2022 - Photograph: Fred Kroh

Altogether, 11 Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and designers have entered their creations in the Layers of Blak exhibition.

The event stems from the Blak Design program, now in its second year, presented by the Koori Heritage Trust.

Dominic White (Palawa) Steel kelp chain Necklace 1 2022 - (Photograph: Fed Koh)

Blak Design's proclaimed goal is to foster First Nations cultural innovation within the Victorian design sector while at the same providing a platform for nurturing sustainable, First Nations design practices.

As Sammy Trist and Dominic White reiterated in a conversation with NITV Radio, participating artists have all wrestled with colonial history to present their stories, layered with meaning – of healing, resilience, collaboration, and empowerment.