Opening Event: Paula Savage | Sonja Carmichael

Onespace invites you to the opening of The Grass Tides, an exhibition in the Main Gallery by Paula Savage and Giibum, Gulayi Murmurings - Story Bags, an exhibition in the Lounge Gallery by Sonja Carmichael.

Exhibition: 6 March - 11 April 2026
Opening Event: Saturday 7 March, 5 – 7pm | Artist Talk, 4 – 5pm with Freja Carmichael

The Grass Tides | Paula Savage

Onespace proudly presents The Grass Tides, an exhibition by Paula Savage in the Main Gallery. This exhibition, featuring several woven pieces and works on paper is Savage’s second exhibition with Onespace gallery. Growing up on Moa Island working the lugger boats with her father and brothers, and with little time to sit around with the old Akas (Aunties), she learned the ‘one twist’ weaving method herself, through careful observation rather than direct instruction. It remains a constant in her life today. These are the main threads in the weave of Savage’s creative output. The prints and weavings presented are a selection of works that mark her development as a senior artist at Moa Arts and a creative force at the top of her game.

Moa Arts manager, James Muller, eloquently states that, “Paula's work embodies a very personal expression of her lived experience that is intentionally complex and whimsical at the same time.”

Giibum, Gulayi Murmurings - Story Bags | Sonja Carmichael

Sonja Carmichael’s exhibition Giibum, Gulayi murmurings – Story Bags that features her exquisite installation, Wunjayi Wagariinyai Quandamooka Jagun – Yarabin Ragi (2024) comprises 237 birrepi bunbi (little dillybags) that envelop and embody the collection of jingen jalo (food and fire). Birrepi bunbi, the copper wire woven dillybags, contain elements of Country that Sonja has spent time gathering on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). These elements of Country include: gara (shells) –  quampi (shellfish), yugari (pippies), ginyingara (oyster); danggal (banksia nuts); tuckabin (grass tree); burney bean seeds; driftwood, gajur (coral) and yarong (sand), which all symbolise the relationship and interconnection of yarabin ragi (sea and bush) while also echoing and amplifying the stories of Ngumpi (home).

Essay writer, Kimberley Moulton states, “This intersection of cultural resurgence, Country, and marine waste manifests in the work of Ngugi woman Sonja Charmichael, a custodian of Quandamooka Country, which comprises the waters and lands of and around Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and Minjerribah, south-east Queensland. As a senior weaver and researcher, Sonya’s practice connects deeply to Country and seeks to not only pass this knowledge on to her community and family but also, through her weaving and installation practice, to make critical commentary on the health of her land and oceanic ecologies.”