Two rare pieces of art by Wurundjeri leader and artist William Barak have been bought and will return to Victoria after they were auctioned in the US. But it’s fucked that the art had to be bought back in the first place.
The pieces of art are a painting called “Corroboree (Women in possum skin cloaks)” and a parrying shield. They were auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York on Thursday May 26, National Sorry Day.
They were ultimately purchased because of a massive crowdfunding effort by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cutural Heritage Corporation, which raised over $110,000. The Victorian Government ended up contributing $500,000 to the crowdfunding effort at the very fkn last minute.
Two artworks by Wurundjeri artist William Barak are officially returning to Country.
Until this morning, the pieces have been in the hands of a Swiss family.
But after a successful auction bid this morning, it's been confirmed the artwork is coming home. pic.twitter.com/TayDPyD3Qb
