Our World in Photos
Bardi Jawi Children’s Curation
Bardi Jawi children aged 8-15 present their curation of Our World in Photos, produced through immersive, on-Country photovoice workshops in the very remote West Australian community of Ardyaloon. Their photographic stories explore what well-being means to them, through their own voices and vision, shaped by kinship, culture, Country and daily life.
A showcase of perspectives which are often unheard, this exhibition asks audiences to pause. To notice how quickly we interpret, re-explain or minimise what children say and show to us. To consider the ways in which we compound this practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. To question what we can shift when we really listen and see what they are sharing with us about well-being.
Our World in Photos amplifies child participants as artists, image-makers and knowledge holders. The photographic medium facilitates expression beyond the confines of adult vocabulary and authority. We are not observing their creativity but encountering their perspectives about what matters. When we are no longer speaking for them but with them, new pathways for dialogue are made possible.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition Open: 4 March – 3 May 2026
Supported By: Curtin University, Telethon 7, One Arm Point RCS
Open: Mon to Fri 10am – 5pm and Sun 12pm – 4pm
Free entry
Access Gallery, John Curtin Gallery, Building 200A Curtin University, Kent Street Bentley, Western Australia 6102
Our World in Photos
Since 2023, Curtin University’s School of Population Health and the Ardyaloon community have co-developed a strengths-based photovoice model to explore and share children’s perspectives on well-being. Underpinned by research and participatory processes, forty-five on-Country workshops and 17 dialogue events have reached 133 children. Producing over 200 photographic stories, children’s insights have informed new learning resources based on their priorities. Strategic exhibits include Government House Perth (2024), Rural Health West, Aboriginal Health Conference (2025), and an international debut at St Francis Xavier gallery, Nova Scotia Canada (2026).
John Curtin Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which this work was created – the Bardi Jawi Peoples. We give respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging, and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We honour their connection with land, waters and community.
