First Nations artists celebrate cultural warriors
The Fifth National Indigenous Art Triennial opens on Saturday (December 6) as ‘After the Rain’ features 10 large-scale, immersive and multidisciplinary installations that celebrate intergenerational legacies and cultural warriors of the past, present and future.
The event, at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, brings together commissioned work by established and emerging First Nations artists from across Australia, creating an important platform for art and ideas.
The triennial, at the National Gallery of Australia, features 10 large-scale and immersive works. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
Each iteration of the Triennial is led by a First Nations curator with an original vision.
Artistic Director for the fifth National Indigenous Art Triennial is Tony Albert, Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji peoples, one of Australia’s foremost contemporary artists.
Artistic Director for Indigenous Art Triennial Tony Albert. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
Albert weaves together projects by Alair Pambegan, Aretha Brown, Blaklash, Dylan Mooney, Hermannsburg Potters, Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre and Vincent Namatjira, Jimmy John Thaiday, Naminapu Maymuru-White, Thea Anamara Perkins, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Grace Kemarre Robinya, and Warraba Weatherall to tell stories through the universal language of visual art.
“This was an opportunity to really give time, energy, resources to fewer projects for artists to make the most seminal work of their careers,” Mr Albert said.
“I welcome everyone, to come and sit, reflect and respond to where we are, thinking and making art on Country,” Mr Albert said.
“No matter where we come from, we can all engage through the universal language of visual art, and that’s why art is so powerful.”
Mr Albert said the theme offered a lot for artists to draw from, whether it be the physical concept of rain on the land or more political interpretations.
“After the rain is kind of a reset,” he said.
“It’s this rejuvenation, planting new seeds … from artists working really directly on Country, to what does ‘after the rain’ mean after the referendum.”
Each of the artists involved in the triennial is featured in a series of paintings by Vincent Namatjira.
His distinctive portraits welcome gallery-goers to the space.
In the centre of the exhibition is The House of Namatjira.
He said it was time for Indigenous artists to be front and centre in the art world.
Incredible moment to shine a spotlight on Indigenous art
“There’s a global shift, which is really coming out of Australia,” Mr Albert said.
“All eyes are on us and it’s an incredible moment in time to shine a spotlight on Indigenous art.”
The project brings together members of the Namatjira family and community, including the renowned Hermannsburg Potters, Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre and the artist’s great-grandson, Vincent Namatjira.
“Looking at that legacy of Albert Namatjira was so incredible,” Mr Albert said.
“We were able to replicate the house he made himself in the 1940s out of stained glass with the Canberra glassworks. We found materials from Albert’s life that had never been displayed or exhibited before.”
More than 500 flying foxes – the work of Alair Pambegan – are suspended above the exhibition space. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
There are more than 500 flying foxes suspended above the exhibition space – the work of Alair Pambegan.
The distinctive red, white and black ochre from his Country in the northern part of Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula features heavily across his installation.
“It’s setting a real new precedent in terms of the calibre and quality of work that has been presented by artists,” Mr Albert said.
The National Indigenous Art Triennial, which is free, is made possible through the continued generosity of the National Gallery’s First Nations Arts Partner Wesfarmers Arts and key philanthropic supporters.
Following its presentation in Kamberri/Canberra, until April next year, After the Rain will tour nationally.
