Bankstown Arts Centre's Same Same/Different exhibition brings together a celebration of culture, connection, and creativity.
Opening last weekend and running until February 1, this third iteration of the Bankstown Biennale - curated by a dynamic team including Coby Edgar, Jason Wing, and Rachael Kiang - features works from 17 prominent First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) artists.
Together, they explore themes of interconnectedness and equitable multiculturalism in a showcase that resists universalism while celebrating common ground.
The concept for Same Same/Different draws inspiration from a familiar phrase in Australia's Top End, where Asian and First Nations communities describe their shared yet distinct experiences as "same same, but different".
The sentiment underpins the exhibition's aim to foster connections across diverse cultures without erasing individual identities.
At its heart, it embraces First Nations' worldviews of interconnectedness, offering an antidote to the rigid binaries that often divide communities.
Curator, Larrakia and multiracial women, Coby Edgar, describes the exhibition as a deeply personal and communal project.
"It's about finding similarities instead of focusing on differences," she said
"When you look at things like food culture, rituals, or migration stories, there's so much we share. Those connections are what we're highlighting in this exhibition."
The exhibition features a variety of programs designed to engage audiences, including artist panels, intergenerational dialogues, and weaving workshops.
These interactive elements invite visitors to explore the themes of interconnectedness and tradition directly, offering not just observation but participation.
"Weaving workshops are iconic," Ms Edgar said.
"When your hands are busy, it's easier to open up. These workshops create a relaxed space for conversations and the organic exchange of cultural knowledge—different stitching techniques, fibers, and traditions coming together."
The exhibition boasts a lineup of seasoned and emerging artists, whose works range from photography and installations to soundscapes and cultural reimaginings.
Among the highlights is Uncle Gary Lee's reworking of historical photographs, reflecting on his Chinese and Larrakia heritage while celebrating the beauty of the male gaze.
Joan Ross contributes a series of striking silhouettes, referencing Dharug history and highlighting the connections between past and present generations.
Emerging artists such as Claudia Nicholson and Maddison Gibbs offer fresh perspectives on ritual, religion, and cultural identity, while sound artist Rowan Salvage creates an ambient experience that ties the exhibition together.
"The mix of generations is really exciting," Ms Edgar said.
"It's a chance for younger artists to see their work alongside some of the best in the country. That juxtaposition creates a powerful dialogue."
Same Same/Different challenges notions of assimilation and othering by proposing a framework for equitable multiculturalism.
It acknowledges the differences that make each culture unique but emphasises the shared humanity that binds us.
"The focus on differences can be divisive," Ms Edgar said.
"This exhibition flips that narrative. It's about seeing the similarities in human experiences while respecting the distinct qualities of each culture."
Through its diverse range of works, Same Same/Different offers visitors a thought-provoking experience that invites them to reflect on their own cultural connections and shared humanity.
As Ms Edgar puts it, she hopes viewers leave with a sense of joy and wonder at the diversity of lives and the beautiful works created by exhibiting artists.
