Revisiting Survival and Celebration
Celebrating the role of women in Australia’s Chinese history, ‘Survival and Celebration’ was a triumph when first exhibited in 1985. Today, the Chinese Museum in Melbourne’s Chinatown district is bringing back this intimate look into Chinese culture in Australia.
This exhibition, curated by Morag Loh and Christine Ramsey, was developed 25 years ago, partially to unite against what many saw to be a resurgence of the attitudes of ‘White Australia’. Many of the issues it contains continue to be relevant today as time moves forward, and it provides a vast perspective on the issues that faced the Chinese people from the 1850s to 1985.
Its rehanging offers an opportunity to reflect on the place of China in Australia’s history over last 25 years, including the rich history and diverse culture of the Australian-Chinese community.
‘Revisiting Survival and Celebration’ is currently at the Chinese Museum, Melbourne, from Saturday 8 October to Thursday 13 November 2011.
Read more about the 1850s Australian Gold Rush-era in fluoro9’s main fashion feature.
