Artists: Khadim Ali, Shahroud Ghahani, Savanhdary Vongpoothorn, Guo Jian & Ah Xian.

“The world is a vast network of interconnections, and our identities are constantly shaped by encounters with others.” Attrib. V.Y. Mudimbe.

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The Wisdom of Others is an exhibition presenting works of five diverse and significant artists who, as part of their life journey, have at some point in their lives experienced displacement due to political conflict or natural disasters. Having been born in China, Pakistan, Iran, and Lao PDR respectively these artist’s oeuvre reflect both their personal histories, cultural identities and the wider narrative of contemporary Australia. Their unique voices are equally global and historically literate, whilst at the same time, grounded in the here and now. The works manifest the beauty of pluralism and the flourishing of culture when hybridity is not only embraced but celebrated. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”

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The Wisdom of Others is presented by Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios in partnership with Lane Cove Council and our lending partners as part of Refugee Week 2024.

We will be joined by guest musicians Paul Bennett, Eddie Bronson and Penny Cook on the night!

Paul Bennett

Jazz and Blues Violin and Vocals

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Paul has been playing his grandfather's (Roth 1925) violin since the age of eleven through every genre, classical, blues, country, folk, Gypsy and cool jazz and now performs as an exciting solo jazz violinist and vocalist, pushing the boundaries in his home suburb of Lane Cove.

Paul was a founding member of the folk blues fusion band The Road Captains for the past ten years, where he honed his skills as an accomplished instrumentalist. Cool jazz is his genre now with an extensive repertoire of classic jazz standards, played with sensitivity and style.

Eddie Bronson

Jazz Musician

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Eddie Bronson has been a jazz musician since the age of 15. By the time Eddie left Russia where he was born, he had worked with most of Russia's top improvising musicians. During the past 25 years since returning to Australia, he has established himself in the music scene and has continued his performing career as a professional jazz musician.

For the past eight years he has performed with the triple aria award-winning group Monsieur Camembert. Eddie is a multi- instrumentalist, playing flute, clarinet, saxophone, accordion and euphonium.

Penny Cook

Jazz vocalist

Penny is an amazing talent who sings jazz standards from the Great American Songbook and lives to perform. She honed her vocal style in New York. Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Kurt Ealing and Pamela Knowles are her inspiration.