King's College London

The Art of Healing: Australian Indigenous Bush Medicine is now open in the Arcade at Bush House. Through the premise of Tjukurrpa (dreaming), the exhibition looks at traditional Indigenous healing practices through contemporary art from the many distinct and varied Indigenous communities throughout Australia.

The launch event on 14 May was a huge success, attended by nearly 150 people including Ngangkari (traditional healers) and acclaimed artists Rene Kulitja and Pantjiti Lewis from the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council (NPYWC). The Honourable George Brandis QC, Australian High Commissioner to the UK, attended and officially opened the exhibition.

There is also an events programme running alongside the exhibition, which includes a workshop with Rene Kulitja and Pantjiti Lewis involving guided meditations, songs and bush medicine, as well as a lecture about the importance of healing in Aboriginal cultures with Professor Helen Milroy from the University of Western Australia.

Below are photos showcasing the wide variety of works on display, as well as some snapshots from the official launch: 

The Art of Healing: Australian Indigenous Bush Medicine is a partnership between Menzies Australia Institute at King's, the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, the Medical History Museum, University of Melbourne and the London exhibition is supported by the university’s Culture team.

Images Alex Lloyd © King’s College London