Longing for Home, Water Ritual

By: Sofie Dieu
3 August - 21 November 2021 • During opening hours • CS Gallery 

This installation explores the experience of first generation Australian women through their connection to the Australian bush. Framing women as the earth’s ambassadors and as the active voices that shape society, Dieu worked with 50 migrant women living in suburban Melbourne. Together they embroidered symbols of water, flora, fauna, immigration and womanhood, creating over 60 embroideries. These formed a 3 meter diameter dress which is the centrepiece of this installation.

Sofie Dieu has degrees in Textile Design and Sculpture, and Visual Art and Contemporary Practice. She currently teaches design theory at Monash University. As an artist she has collaborated with leading mental health and refugee advocacy organisations, and received numerous residencies and Awards. Sofie originally created this exhibition in partnership with the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women Coalition.

Image: Sofie Dieu, Longing for Home (Dress – detail) 2019, textile and embroidery.