See You At The River

Ruby Bovill

3 - 15 Sept 2024

Ruby Bovill’s work uses painting as a tool to explore her connection to nature and self. The title ‘See you at the river’ is in reference to Bovill’s grandmother Bev who recently passed away. This collection of paintings celebrates the gift Bovill’s grandmother gave her – connection to nature. This body of work celebrates the all-encompassing joy embodied when immersed in nature. Connecting to land is something Bev instilled in Bovill throughout her childhood – particularly along the banks of the Murray River on Yorta Yorta Country. This exhibition reflects Bovill’s gratefulness amongst her journey of grief – a final thanks to Bev.

Bovill acknowledges that she created these artworks on stolen Aboriginal land. She acknowledges the traditional and true owners of the land she lives and works on, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation and acknowledges that sovereignty was never ceded. Bovill pays respect to Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung ancestors, elders, and future leaders in the community today. Bovill would also like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land her work is inspired by across the colony of so called ‘Australia’. Whilst Bovill feels a connection to nature and explores this in relation to her personal journey – Bovill would like to acknowledge that the connection to Country for First Nations communities exceeds her own and is of far greater cultural significance. As a white settler this dichotomy has been a challenge for Bovill to overcome. Through a journey of self-acceptance and personal growth via Art Therapy frameworks - Bovill has been able to accept her own connection to nature alongside acknowledging First Nations communities’ connection to Country as two very different experiences existing simultaneously. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.