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Historic photo exhibition to open at USC
Photographs dating back to the 1940s that were taken by Christian missionaries in New Guinea will go on display at the University of the Sunshine Coast at 6pm tonight (Thursday 6 May).
The exhibition, called “Missionaries Encounter the Other”, will be officially opened by American academic Dr Catherine Frerichs of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Michigan.
This historic exhibition from the Art Galleries of GVSU has special significance for Dr Frerichs as many of the photos were taken by her father, who had worked in New Guinea as a Lutheran missionary.
Media and the public are welcome to attend the exhibition opening at 6pm.
USC Gallery Curator Dawn Oelrich said the exhibition explored the relationship between New Guineans and the missionaries during the 1940s and 1950s.
“The New Guineans first revered white people as their ancestors, while the westerners initially saw the “natives” as barely human,” she said.
“Both parties dramatically changed their views over time, which made it possible for them to work together.”
Ms Oelrich said the exhibition will feature alongside another exhibition about a more modern approach to intercultural relationships, called the Fiji Project.
“Led by USC academic Dr Gayle Mayes, this project involves University students travelling to a remote village in the Fiji highlands to help build a health and education centre and to deliver various health and education programs,” she said.
“In turn, the Fijians have treated USC students to workshops on singing, dancing, languages and art.”
Both exhibitions will continue until Saturday 5 June and admission is free. The USC Gallery is open from 10am to 4pm Mondays to Saturdays, and closed Sundays and public holidays.
— Terry Walsh