Rosie Kalina with mural by Arkie Barton

What does respite mean to you?

Welcome to the Respite Space, a safe(r) space for First Nations people created with First Nations mental health front of mind. Colonisation has an exhausting impact on us, we aren’t often afforded the respite we deserve. This space challenges the capitalistic “grind” culture which leads to burnout for a lot of people. This past year has taken a massive toll on us all, so please feel welcome in this space to sit, rest and reflect. Feel encouraged to yarn with others or take some quiet time for yourself. All are welcome to seek respite here.

Mob only programs will happen inside this space and throughout the gallery during MENTAL. These will be listed on the Science Gallery events page.

How do you think racism affects mental health? 

Rosie Kalina is a proud Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara woman. She is a visual artist and curator. Rosie is a multifaceted creative; specialising in makeup artistry, she has created exhibitions and installations, and also does photography and painting. Her work has been shown at Footscray Community Arts Centre, Yirramboi, Federation Square as a part of Blak Heart Festival and has most recently had a photographic series commissioned by Melbourne Fringe festival. Through these platforms Rosie challenges the notion of what it means to be Aboriginal through fierce and beautiful decolonial imagery and by asserting herself as a sovereign woman.

Arkie Barton is an emerging artist, textile and fashion designer, currently living in Naarm/Melbourne. Arkie is a proud Kalkadoon Bidjara woman, who draws from her culture to create beautiful contemporary pieces across multiple disciplines. She has often collaborated with other creatives, and has presented a number of solo and group exhibitions nationally, building up to her current diversification of creative practice. Arkie the Label was created in 2015 as a platform for all to engage with contemporary Aboriginal culture through an inclusive and accessible creative form– fashion.