Lander & Rogers celebrates First Nations art and culture with latest Gallery Project 35 exhibition

Lander & Rogers has welcomed proud Ngarrindjeri artist Flick Chafer-Smith to showcase her first solo exhibition, Journey Lines, as part of the firm's Gallery Project 35 art series.

Displayed in Lander & Rogers' Melbourne gallery space, Journey Lines explores the experiences that shape identity and personal transformation, drawing on themes of cultural identity, self-discovery, motherhood, resilience and growth.

Through a collection of acrylic paintings, Ms Chafer-Smith creates a visual map of her journey, incorporating Ngarrindjeri designs including zig zags, diamonds and intricate linework. Metallic tones feature throughout the works, representing the 'silver lining' that can be found in every moment of life.

"This exhibition isn't about reaching an end point. It's about the journey, learning, changing, and carrying those experiences with us," said Ms Chafer-Smith.

A self-taught artist, Ms Chafer-Smith began painting through The Torch program in 2017 and uses her practice to connect with family, culture and Country. Her work often features native animals and vegetation inspired by memories of childhood journeys across the Nullarbor, alongside cultural stories and themes drawn from her lived experience.

The exhibition was celebrated through a special Floor Talk event hosted by Lander & Rogers, bringing together Ms Chafer-Smith, The Torch CEO Susannah Day and Lander & Rogers Partner and Head of Pro Bono & Community, Joanna Renkin, for a conversation moderated by the firm's Community Engagement Lead, Sobur Dhieu.

The evening included a yidaki performance by Kuku Yalanji man Eli Norza, spoken word poetry by Ms Chafer-Smith and an audience Q&A, with discussion exploring the role of art in supporting self-determination, cultural expression and genuine economic opportunity for First Peoples.

The event also highlighted the shared purpose of Gallery Project 35 and The Torch, a First Peoples-led arts organisation that provides art, cultural and arts industry support to First Peoples with lived experience of incarceration in Victoria.

Lander & Rogers has supported The Torch's work to strengthen pathways from artistic creation to sustainable careers, including through opportunities for artists to better understand their legal rights and the commercial aspects of an arts practice.

"We recognise the power of economic participation and the impact of marginalisation, exclusion and dispossession on First Peoples, and that colonial systems, including the legal system, lie at the heart of these experiences," said Ms Renkin.

"Gallery Project 35 is one way we can contribute. We see an opportunity to provide artists with agency, education and practical support, while creating pathways through art and cultural learning and demonstrating the value of economic empowerment and reciprocal cultural connection."

Gallery Project 35 provides First Nations and South Sudanese artists with a platform to exhibit their work, connect with new audiences and access practical legal support to help sustain their careers. Artists are supported to curate their own exhibitions, sell their work and better understand their rights and commercial opportunities.

Journey Lines is the ninth exhibition in the Gallery Project 35 series, which aims to ultimately showcase 35 artists.

Ms Dhieu said the project creates an opportunity for the firm to become a space for cultural exchange and two-way learning.

"At its heart, Gallery Project 35 is founded on principles of agency and reciprocity. Our artists showcase not only their works, but share their cultural knowledge and strength through their creativity, their storytelling and the rich connections they bring," said Ms Dhieu.

Ms Chafer-Smith said the support she received throughout the exhibition process had given her confidence to continue developing her arts practice.

"Working with the team, Jo, Sobur, Reetika and Mary made the experience not pressure filled. You moved at my pace and I felt really informed, especially around the legal advice and support, which was really straightforward and informative, and something that makes me feel really confident moving forward in my arts practice," she said.

Journey Lines is currently on display at Lander & Rogers' Melbourne gallery space.

About the artist

Flick Chafer-Smith is a proud Ngarrindjeri artist from South Australia who has called Naarm home since her early teenage years. A self-taught artist, she primarily works with acrylic on canvas, incorporating Ngarrindjeri designs and patterns that reflect her connection to Country, family and culture. Through her art, Ms Chafer-Smith shares memories, cultural stories and experiences, creating opportunities for others to connect with and learn about her culture.