We acknowledge the traditional owners and sovereign custodians of the land on which Collingwood Yards is situated, the Wurundjeri people of the Woiwurrung language group. We extend our respect to their Ancestors and all First Peoples and Elders past, present, and future.

Bus Projects
Strong I Am

Thu 14 April — Fri 14 May, 12—4pm
Free
Accessible Toilet
Wheelchair Accessible
This work is a journey of connection and histories from Africa to Haiti, to this country.

Looking back, I found the events leading up to my adoption are also big world history events. As I transition myself through my experience of inter-county adoption, I can see my history in chunks, these works are like those clumps of memory and history. I focus on being in the present, here and now. Being respectful and joyful, the work is also about where I am now. These images make sense to me. These drawings in their order show forward motion, always moving forward with my Ancestor’s blood. Strong I Am.

About the artist

Ebony Hickey is a Haitian born, Australian contemporary artist with an interest in interrogating concepts of individuality, adoption, sexuality, queerness and black identity. Ebony draws on her life experience to inform the creation of her drawings and expressive sculptural forms, employing a diverse assortment of materials to compose her work. Performance is also an important element of her creative practice. In 2000, Ebony created the drag personality Koko Mass. Koko loves to perform songs with soul and is a bit of a badass who always speaks up and is honest about issues they face in society. Koko challenges perceptions head on whilst also having fun with their audience. Ebony’s practice is bold and politically engaged, responding to issues that affect her communities with a strong visual language she continues to explore. Ebony completed her Masters of Contemporary Art at Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne in 2020.

Opening reception: Wed 4 May, 6—8pm

Venue

Perry Street Building
Collingwood Yards
Collingwood, 3066

Accessibility

Floor access to the Perry Street Building can be made via the following paths. From 30A Perry Street, a footpath leads to the retail area of Perry St (UG) and courtyard. The Perry Street Lift can be accessed via 30A and 30B Perry Street, allowing access to levels 1 and 2 of Perry Street Building. From Johnston Street access to Perry St Building can be made by crossing the courtyard.

Accessible toilets are located in three areas within the Perry Street Building. On the Upper Ground Level (Level UG) the accessible toilets are located in the service corridor in the northern part of the Building. near the staircase. These toilets are open throughout event hours. On L1 and L2 the toilets are located in the northern part of the building, behind heavy manual blue double doors.  All accessible toilets are equipped with manual locks, exit buttons and grab rails.

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