Awakening Histories: Curatorial Tours

Join MUMA’s curators for a 30-minute tour of the paintings, textiles, videos and stories that comprise Awakening Histories.

Awakening Histories
4 October – 6 December 2025

Awakening Histories is an exhibition exploring the deep connections between First Nations Peoples of Northern Australia and the Makassan seafarers of South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Artists:
Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Aziziah Diah Aprilya, Zaenal Beta, John Bulunbulun (Ganalbingu), Cian Dayrit, Dogmilk Films, Gunybi Ganambarr (Naymil), Guan Wei, Colin Heenan-Purunatameri and Michelle Woody Minnapinni (Tiwi), Karrabing Film Collective, Abdi Karya and Sana, Jenna Lee (Larrakia, Wardaman, Karajarri), Nancy McDinny (Garrwa, Yanyuwa), Mathaman Marika (Rirratjingu), Mawalan 1 Marika (Rirratjingu), MAREGE Institute, The Mulka Project, Dhambit Munuŋgurr (Djapu, Waṉḏawuy, Dhuwa), Trevor Nakanapa Maminyamanja (Anindilyaugwa), Ipeh Nur, Margaret Rarru Garrawurra (Liyagawumirr, Garrawurra), Wilda Yanti Salam, Darrell Sibosado (Bard), Ms M.Wirrpanda (Dhuḏi-Djapu), Bulthirrirri Wunuŋmurra (Dhaḻwaŋu), Mr N. Wunuŋmurra (Dhaḻwaŋu) and Ms D. Yinupiŋu (Gumatj, Rrakpala).

Curatorium:

Dr Rebecca Coates, Monash University Museum of Art
Amanda Haskard, Monash Museum University of Art
Dr David Haworth, Monash University, Global Encounters Senior Research Officer
Hannah Mathews, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
Dr Melanie Oliver, Monash University Museum of Art
Francis E. Parker, Monash University Museum of Art
Nurabdiansyah Ramli (Abi), Makassar State University
Professor Lynette Russell AM, Monash University, Global Encounters Project Lead
Pierra Van Sparkes, Monash University Museum of Art

Plan Your Visit here

Access:
MUMA is wheelchair and pram accessible. The museum is located on the ground level of Building F, which can be accessed from both the University and Dandenong Road sides. Entry is through a sliding door on the interior/University side of the building. Distance from the train station is approx. 450 metres. Our staff are available to help you plan your visit.

^{Image: Nancy McDinny, Macassin Collecting Trapang c.2006. © Nancy McDinny/Copyright Agency, 2025 Australian National Maritime Museum Collection}