Maria Crinigan’s Tragedy - Rosina Wainwright & Jacqui Malins

27 April–13 May » Gallery

Maria Crinigan was one of the first European settlers in Gungahlin in the 1840s, and the remains of her tiny stone cottage have been preserved at Crinigan Park, Amaroo. Rosina Wainwright’s series of sculptural works is based on the true story of Maria, with subtle references to her Irish heritage and the profound dislocation of many of our early pioneers. The work focuses on the plight of a pioneer woman and particularly on her childbearing experiences; Maria had nine infant deaths and only her 10th and last child survived. Like many early pioneer women she died in her early forties.
Jacqui Malins explores the subdued colours and dry textures of the Monaro plains and woodland in the accompanying series of charcoal and dry pastel drawings on paper and canvas. Her response to this landscape is both a visual complement and emotional contrast with the history of Maria Crinigan, evoking the setting for her story and the artist's own sense of recognition, welcome and belonging in this place.

Exhibition opening > Friday 27 April > 6:00pm
Meet the artists > Sunday 6 May > 3:00pm

Click here for an excellent interview with Maria Crinigan’s descendant Marilyn Folger and the president of the Canberra Archaeological Society
Jacqui Malins on Facebook > Click here.

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