gwoyarr-ma

Presented on Art Screen to coincide with Ballarat’s annual Begonia Festival, Jenna Lee’s gwoyarr-ma 2023 pays tribute to another introduced plant to the Australian landscape, the lotus, and reflects upon its significance to First Nations communities. In her video Lee steps through the preparation and cooking of lotus root or “gwoyarr-ma” in the language of the Gulumerridjin (Larrakia) people.

In the billabongs and fresh waterways of northern Australia the lotus flower grows side by side with native lilies, as living proof of historical trade relationships with Southeast Asia via seafaring Makasar traders. The edible roots of the lotus are a staple source of nourishment, along with other parts of the plant including stem and seeds.

gwoyarr-ma is presented with thanks to the artist and MARS Gallery, Melbourne. The 2025 Art Screen program has been devised by guest curator Madeleine Sherburn.