The exhibition, which runs until late-July, features 63 historical items, including a 1950s wedding collar, a 1970s Chinese Opera headpiece, a costume head piece associated with Lunar New Year, as well as photographs, restaurant menus, and documents and certificates from the Lee family who migrated to Australia and has been based in Hurstville since the 1920s.
Claire Baddeley, acting coordinator for Cultural Services in the Georges River Council, said Chinese migrants settling into the Georges River area not only came from mainland China, but also from Taiwan and Hong Kong.
“This area has had a long history of Chinese migration, essentially from the post-gold rush era from the 1860s onwards, and this exhibition explores that right through until the early 2000s,” she told SBS Chinese.
Exhibit displayed at "Our Journeys I Our Stories" at Hurstville Museum & Gallery. Source: SBS/ Ranky Law
According to Council statistics, 27 per cent of residents in the area today are of Chinese ancestry, among them almost 70 per cent were born in mainland China, Hong Kong or Taiwan.
“The exhibition explores the many stories and experiences of Chinese migrants to the area,” she said.
Chinese migrants’ contribution to household dining tables as well as broader society
Ms Baddeley said, after the gold rush period in the 1850s, many Chinese miners remained in Australia and developed market gardens in the Georges River area in order to make a living.
Some of their tools, including a garden plough, a ceramic teapot, and a woven basket, have been conserved and are now displayed as a part of the exhibition.
“Almost all of the vegetables sold at Sydney markets in the late 19th and into the early 20th centuries were grown and produced from Chinese market gardens,” Ms Baddeley said.
“It was known commonly as the ‘salad bowl of Sydney’.”
Exhibit displayed at "Our Journeys I Our Stories" at Hurstville Museum & Gallery. Source: SBS/ Ranky Law
From then, there was an increasing number of Chinese migrants arriving in the area, including international students, restauranteurs, artists and opera singers, she said.
Ms Baddeley said the exhibition focused on the stories of particular individuals, many of whom had a long and continuous connection to the area.
“There are many people in the Chinese migrant community who live and work here, who have raised their children here, who run businesses here and it’s important to recognise that contribution,” Ms Baddeley said.
Showcasing immigration journeys of particular individuals and families
Among the historical items being exhibited is an Arnott’s biscuit tin, which dates back to the period of King George V. The tin belonged to Lee Wun, the first member of the Lee family to migrate to Australia in the 1920s under a student visa scheme.
“Whilst he was here in Australia, he purchased this tin of biscuits which he took back to his family as a sort of prized item reflecting his success whilst he was in Australia,” Ms Baddeley explained.
Exhibit displayed at "Our Journeys I Our Stories" at Hurstville Museum & Gallery. Source: SBS/ Ranky Law
She said many of the exhibits held special significance for the family, including a number of important items and documents related to some other family members who subsequently migrated to Australia in the 1950s and 1950s after the end of the “White Australia Policy”.
These items include the vaccination papers and travelling papers of Susan Lee Moon Hing.
“These items give you insights into the processes, sometimes complicated and extensive, that were part of the migration experience for Chinese migrants at that time,” Ms Baddeley said.
“They obviously tell the personal story of one individual’s experience but are reflective of the broader experience of many Chinese immigrants.”
Susan Lee Moon Hing viewing the "Our Journeys I Our Stories" Exhibition at Hurstville Museum & Gallery. Source: SBS/ Ranky Law
Telling of social history alongside contemporary art
Apart from historical items, the exhibition also features new works of internationally renowned contemporary Chinese Australian artists Cindy Yuen-Zhe Chen, Guo Jian, Lindy Lee, Xiao Lu, Jason Phu and Guan Wei.
“When the exhibition was being developed, we wanted to combine both historical material and the work of contemporary Chinese Australian artists,” Ms Baddeley said.
“We wanted works that would really reflect a range of different perspectives to do with the Chinese migration story.
“These include paintings, photo works, and also video works as well. So, a range of diverse, contemporary responses.”
Artwork displayed at "Our Journeys I Our Stories" at Hurstville Museum & Gallery. Source: SBS/ Ranky Law
One of the pieces, created by Sydney artist Guan Wei, is based on the story of Chinese migrant Tiy Sing and some of his possessions, which are on display alongside the artworks.
Reflecting on the historical materials such as documents and images, Mr Guan said he had created a folding panel display, depicting Tiy Sing’s journey of starting a new life in the southern Sydney area.
“In this folding screen, I have recorded how he arrived in Australia -- this ‘southern land’ -- and disembarked at Dolls Point, and started farming in the market gardens,” Mr Guan told SBS Chinese.
“I’ve also painted two birds and Indigenous people to represent the land of Australia.
Artwork by Guan Wei displayed at "Our Journeys I Our Stories" at Hurstville Museum & Gallery. Source: SBS/ Ranky Law
“So, the front of the panel represented a map and his journey settling in, whereas on the back of the panel, there is the sign of the farm with his name on it.”
He said the meaning behind his artwork was to encourage viewers to understand the history of Chinese migrants, as a way to inspire future generations.
“Only through understanding the history, you would be able to progress into the future, shaping the path for future development,” Mr Guan said.
“What I want to express here is the vision where people living here can be loving and tolerant with each other, and to collaboratively create a wonderful and harmonious society.”
Also exhibited, as part of the historical artefacts collection, are personal and family letters from a local resident’s child who was separated from her mother for six years when her mother first migrated to Australia in 1990.
“Our Journeys I Our Stories” is currently on exhibition at the Hurstville Museum & Gallery until July 24 and is open to the public free of charge between Tuesdays and Sundays.
A series of programs including bilingual tours in English and Cantonese/Mandarin as well as workshops with artist Cindy Yuen-Zhe Chen have also been organised to support the exhibition.
Exhibit displayed at "Our Journeys I Our Stories" at Hurstville Museum & Gallery. Source: SBS/ Ranky Law
