Twin Artists Embrace Aboriginal Heritage through Art

Twin artists Susan Cook and Wendy McNeil have brought together their vibrant patterns and imagery to the Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery in an exhibition that encompasses thousands of years of Aboriginal culture and knowledge.  The Dreaming with Maggie exhibition opens on Friday 28th April and runs through to 16th June.

Sisters Cook and McNeil grew up in Toowoomba believing they were of Spanish decent. It was only later they discovered their true Aboriginal heritage, which had been kept secret for many years to protect them at a time when Indigenous children were being removed from their families. The sisters eventually discovered their link to the Iman tribe of Taroom and were embraced by their people, reintroduced to their Country and taught the stories, history and foods of the area.  It was during this time they learned of their Great Grandmother Maggie Dunn, who endured the frontier wars, loss of her people’s land and the removal of her children.

“Susan’s and Wendy’s works are a true reflection of their personal journeys of discovering their true heritage and their connection to the Iman tribe of Taroom.  Through their art, they pay tribute to their Great Grandmother Maggie Dunn, and those who endured to lay the foundations for their future.  This exhibition is a reminder of the power of art to tell stories to heal and to inspire,” said Mayor of Banana Shire Council Nev Ferrier.

The exhibition will be on display at the Banana Shire Regional Art Gallery from Friday 28th April until 16th June 2023. The exhibition will showcase the remarkable creativity and cultural knowledge of the sisters and provide an opportunity to see the beauty of Aboriginal art and the powerful stories behind each piece.

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