Grigoryan Brothers—This is Us: A Musical Reflection of Australia

Location

WA Museum Boola Bardip
Perth Cultural Centre

Dates

Dates

From 10 May 2023

Tickets

Included with General Admission 

Visit a selection of historical objects that inspired unique original compositions by renowned classical guitarist duo the Grigoryan Brothers.

In 2021, to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Museum of Australia, classical guitarist duo Slava and Leonard Grigoryan composed an album of 18 original works, This is Us: A Musical Reflection of Australia, inspired by objects.

On display in Hackett Hall are some of these collection items, on loan from the National Museum of Australia, alongside accompanying digital material. These fascinating objects carry intriguing stories and include a set of trial lenses and frames used by Professor Fred Hollows, a mourning locket of champion boxer Les Darcy and a lock of his hair, and an exquisite painting by Anatjari Tjakamarra representing the story of the Women's Camp and the origin of Damper. Their musical response and composition adds new layers of meaning to each of these objects.

“We chose objects that try to represent some of our First Nations’ history as well as colonisation, migration, innovation and stories of love and loss. We were deeply moved by all of them.” 
– Slava and Leonard Grigoryan 

The Grigoryan Brothers' personal responses to these iconic Australian artefacts take listeners on a stirring musical journey through Australia’s history and heritage.


Collections from the National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia and the Western Australian Museum share an ongoing commitment to connect the many strands of Australian experience and history.

This is Us: A Musical Reflection of Australia is the third in a series of planned displays at WA Museum Boola Bardip to feature works from the National Museum of Australia's collections and share stories of significance to Western Australians.

The initiative reflects an ongoing partnership between the two institutions, with the aim to increase accessibility of museum collections and to share stories of significance with Western Australian audiences.

The collaboration has previously resulted in display of Yiwarra Kuju (Canning Stock Route) and Papunya.

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