A striking new installation at Brisbane Quarter is shining a light on matrilineal stories and techniques woven through generations of First Nations culture. From March 5 to May 10, the precinct’s Atrium will showcase When Dilly Bags Catch the Light, a work by First Nations artist and designer Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.
The must-see installation features three stylised dilly bags crafted from materials traditionally sourced from Minjerribah, including quampie shells, cotton tree fibres and freshwater reed. Dyed and printed linen and wire are woven through the forms, creating shimmering surfaces that shift gently with the light. The work reflects Delvene’s matrilineal lineage, drawing inspiration from time spent learning from her mother and the legacy of her great-great-grandmother’s dilly bags.
Alongside the installation, visitors can view a selection of garments from Delvene’s fashion runway collections, previously showcased at major events including Brisbane Fashion Festival and Melbourne Fashion Festival. Free to visit daily, the display offers a thoughtful moment of reflection in the heart of the city.
After taking in the installation, visitors can continue the experience at Brisbane Quarter’s riverfront dining precinct, where restaurants including Annamese, Brisbane Phoenix, Persone, Phat Boy and Tenya offer everything from refined modern Asian flavours to classic Italian and Japanese favourites – an easy way to turn a visit into a leisurely lunch or evening out.