Not long ago I visited Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki to see the exhibition Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia. It was a wonderful reminder of home. The exhibition presented a cross section of the vibrant and diverse collection of artworks from indigenous makers across Australia and Torres Strait Islands. The themes included: Ancestors and Creators, Country and Constellations, Community and Family, Culture and Ceremony, Trade and Influence, Resistance and Colonisation.
Jean Baptiste Apuatimi, Tiwi people, 1940-2013 Australia, Yirrikapayi 2007, Nguiu, Bathurst Island, Northern Territory natural earth pigments and binder on canvas
Yirrikapayi 2007 (detail)
Throughout the exhibition there was a connection to deep time, as well as themes of continuous resilience and pride. Within the works there were layers upon layers in material and registers knowledge. There were so many ways of reading the artworks and systems of passing knowledge and telling dreaming stories. The artists used these colours, repetitive lines, and patterns to create energy within the artworks. Some works seemed almost vibrant and shimmer, others had seemingly three dimensional landscapes emerging from the flat surfaces they were painted on. There was a vast array of materials, styles, coloured and stories. When artworks were talking to the same dreaming stories they were told in vastly different ways.
Dorothy Napangardi, Warlpiri people, 1948-2013 Australia, Sandhills of Mina Mina 2000, Yuendumu, Western Desert, Northern Territory synthetic polymer paint on canvas
Sandhills of Mina Mina 2000, (detail)
I draw a lot of inspiration from the whole exhibition. Within my arts practice I look at and explore the idea of place. Whether that be drawing from a particular place or finding my place somewhere. It is a vibrant nudge that works to not have to be encapsulated in a geometric surface, as is my usual want. The surface does not always require a ruler or right angles. It certainly does not have to be on a typical surface. These are all prompts that I often need to remember.
Doreen Reid Nakamarra, Pintupi people, 1948-2009 Australia, Untitled, 2007, Papunya, Western Desert, Northern Territory synthetic polymer paint on canvas
Untitled, 2007 (detail)
Ivan Namirrkki, Eastern Kunwinjku people, born Maningrida, Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory 1959, Lorrkon 2010, Maningrida, Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory natural earth pigments and binder on eucalyptus wood
Gulumbu Yunupingu, Gumati peoples, 1943-2012 Australia, Gan’yu (Stars) 2005, Yirrkala, North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on eucalyptus wood
Nonggirrnga Marawili, Madarrpa people, born Baniyala, North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory 1937, Rock and lightning, 2016, Yirrkala, North East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory natural earth pigments and binder on eucalyptus bark
John Mawurndiul AM, Kuniniku (Eastern Kunwinjku) people, born Mumeka, near Mann River, Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory 1952, Lorrkon 2007, Maningrida, Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory natural earth pigments and binder on eucalyptus wood
Ivan Namirrkki, Eastern Kunwinjku people, born Maningrida, Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory 1959, Lorrkon 2010 (detail)
Gulumbu Yunupingu, Gumati peoples, 1943-2012 Australia, Gan’yu (Stars) 2005 (detail)
Ivan Namirrkki, Eastern Kunwinjku people, born Maningrida, Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory 1959, Lorrkon 2010 (detail)
The exhibition was a timely reminder of home. Currently, I am feeling very far away from Australia at the moment. In a few short weeks the country will be voting on a referendum in the recognition of First Peoples of Australia in the constitution for the first time. Under the name of The Voice, it will give this community a say in policies and challenges that affect their communities. I am able to support the “yes” campaign from a distance, but unable to be a part of marches and show my support in person. I dearly hope that Australia votes a resounding and emphatic “yes” and we come over to the right side of history. The land called Australia was never ceded, it was and alway was the land of the First Peoples of Australia.
Feature image: John Mawurndiul AM, Kuniniku (Eastern Kunwiniku) people, born Mumeka, near Mann River, Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory 1952, Milmingkan under Wak Wak, 2009