Our Plants, Our Heritage

Sofie Dieu, Poppy Flower and Apple Bloom, 2023, digital photograph 

In partnership with Multicultural Women Victoria, artists Leila Ashtiani (Iran), Sofie Dieu (France), Humaira Fayazi (Afghanistan), Abouk Giir (Sudan) and Rahila Zeeshan (Pakistan) exhibit together for the first time to explore cultural traditions through the plants that are sacred to the peoples of their homelands.

This project sits at the intersection of ecological preservation, decolonisation and transmission of ancestral belief systems. Using textiles, graphic design and photography the artists explore the florae of their birth places and their uses in medicine, ceremony and cooking.

In Our Plants, Our Heritage the artists immerse the viewer in stories about their personal and family affinities with the intangible, emotional qualities of plants. In the face of climate change and the consequent threat of plant extinction, recognition and transmission of these forms of cultural heritage are more important than ever.  

Workshop series

Artists from the exhibition Our Plants, Our Heritage are running a series of exciting workshops sharing traditional and contemporary art making processes, taking inspiration from their culture, local plants and natural elements. 

The R & M McGivern Prize 2025/26 exhibition

16 Nov 2026 This national prize is awarded every three years for outstanding, original artwork in the medium of painting in oil and watercolour (including gouache). Visit the exhibition to view the work of 50 outstanding finalists responding to the theme of Atmosphere.

Multiple locations

Tagged as: , Arts & Culture, Council run event, Exhibitions, Fundraiser

When

Location

Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery, 32A Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood, 3134, View map