Maree Clarke


Maree Clarke is a Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, BoonWurrung/Wemba Wemba woman, curator, and artist. Clarke is a multidisciplinary artist renowned for her work in reviving South-eastern Aboriginal Australian art practices.

Career

Clarke grew up in and around Mildura in North Western Victoria.
She began working as an educator in her home town in 1978 which provided her with a solid base from which to develop her career in promoting and supporting South East Aboriginal histories, culture and knowledge.
The City of Port Phillip became the first Victorian local government to establish a centre dedicated to actively promoting Aboriginal arts and culture, creating the first Koori Arts Unit in St Kilda. Clark was the first Koori Arts Officer from 1994 - 1998 and instrumental in its success. In 1996, Clarke curated, with Kimba Thompson and Len Tregonning, the We Iri We Homeborn Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Festival.

Artistic career

Clarke works across a range of mediums including photography, sculpture, painting and jewellery.
Research and revival of cultural practices which have been lost as a result of colonisation form an important part of Clarke's art practice. Clarke goes to museums to research and work with objects in their collections. Her work has seen her become a pivotal figure in the reclamation of cultural and artistic practices of South Eastern Australian Aboriginal peoples.

Recognition

Made from Memory 2017 was purchased by the National Gallery of Australia in 2017 in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.

Works

Solo exhibitions

Clarke's work is included in the following galleries and collections: