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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Bionic Bora, n.d.

Wayne Quilliam

inkjet print on paper
Bionic Bora, n.d.

This photograph was captured on the Bora (initiation) ceremonial grounds at the You Yangs in Victoria, where dancers from across the state gathered to prepare children for their Naming Ceremony. ‘This image transcends the western narrative of “traditional culture”, responding directly to the shared experiences of people and culture in modern society,’ says Quilliam. ‘For generations our people have adapted to the constantly changing landscape. The evidence of this shines through in this young dancer practicing culture with her bionics.’

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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