On January 28, Kluge-Ruhe will open Dub Leffler: Darkish, a selection of watercolors made for illustrations in children’s literature and other related works. Darkish explores how Indigenous children are represented in children’s literature, and the term “darkish” was used by the adoption agency to describe the artist himself as a child. Historically, Aboriginal children have been stereotyped in children’s literature or excluded altogether, not unlike their adult counterparts in non-Indigenous fiction over the last 200 years. Leffler’s work expands the image of the Aboriginal child to encompass the diversity of Indigenous Australia, allowing the opportunity for all Aboriginal children to see themselves and their histories reflected in the books that help shape who they become. These delicately drawn and subtly painted works challenge the notion that children’s book illustrations aren’t art in and of themselves, breaking down Eurocentric constructions of what is and is not included in the exclusive category of “fine art.”
The exhibition will also be available to explore virtually, and this virtual exhibition will open in the spring. Watch the video below to hear a reading of the book Sorry Day, read by Leffler and the author Coral Vass; many of the illustrations from this book are featured in Darkish.
This exhibition and residency are supported by Australia Council for the Arts, the UVA Mellon Indigenous Arts Initiative and UVA Vice Provost for the Arts. We are grateful to Joan Kindig for sharing her guidance and expertise in the planning and development of Leffler’s virtual residency.
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia is the only museum outside of Australia dedicated to the exhibition and study of Indigenous Australian art. Whether onsite or online, we aim to amplify Indigenous perspectives and foster inspirational cross-cultural experiences to deepen appreciation and understanding of our shared humanity. We believe the most inspiring journeys are personal, immersive, uplifting and enlightening, with twists and turns we can’t predict. We provide platforms for you to chart your own path as you explore our unique collection of art and stories that are embedded with deep historical and cultural significance.
We are located in Charlottesville, Virginia and came to exist through the generosity of two prominent American collectors, Edward L. Ruhe and John W. Kluge. To learn more, visit us at kluge-ruhe.org