A Sense of Place is a body of artworks by East Timorese artist Maria Madeira, which expresses an artistic view about her own experience of being displaced and dislocated from her country of birth after the invasion of her homeland by Indonesia in 1975. It celebrates the culture of Timor Leste and raises awareness of the beauty and talent that lies within the East Timorese community.

The exhibition showcases 30 pieces of Maria’s work, created using traditional techniques and materials, including the betel nut and cloth, and the East Timorese symbol kaibauk.

A Sense of Place demonstrate the feeling of moving from one place to another, the notion of having to adapt to different places under different circumstances, the struggles, the efforts to fit in, and understand new places and new surroundings. The works are inspired by Maria’s own experiences; in a refugee camp in Portugal, as an immigrant to Australia, and on returning to East Timor to reconnect with her culture.

The artworks will consist of 25 paintings, and 5 sculptures and installations. The paintings compliment and adapt to the sculptures and installations. Every time the artworks are relocated the artist rearranges them according to the surroundings in order to highlight the notion of ‘sense of place’, in which the artworks will have a sense of belonging to each place, space and surroundings.