Aboriginal artists wow international art lovers
The artworks of the Lockhart River Gang, a collective of 24 artists from the remote community in Far North Queensland, are spearheading reflection on worldwide contemporary Indigenous culture.
Fusing traditional Aboriginal art with a keen understanding of contemporary western art, the artists have long enjoyed a national reputation for bold, colourful and unique artwork. But the international response to the first exhibition to chart the history of the art movement, Our Way, Contemporary Aboriginal Art from Lockhart River, has been overwhelming.
Opening in the world’s largest art market, New York, in October, the exhibition, presented by The University of Queensland, made international headlines when the artists’ modern interpretation of their ancient traditions had art lovers queuing for autographs.
Exhibition curator Sally Butler has been taken aback by the exhibition’s reception in Singapore and the United States. "The synthesis of the worldly and the Aboriginal just blows the audiences away," Dr Butler said.
"On one level the substance of the art itself is universally appealing because of its vibrant interpretation of the environment and a unique and ancient culture, but the exhibition also offers an insight into the contemporary life of a traditional community in a very remote region."
"The exhibition has really challenged the conservative views Americans and Singaporeans hold on Indigenous art and I believe Our Way is spearheading a movement that reflects on contemporary Indigenous cultures internationally."
As part of the New York exhibition, a delegation of Native Americans visited the exhibition and spoke with artist Rosella Namok (pictured).
"They couldn’t believe that Rosella made a living from her art. She told them she had bought her own house with money from selling her artwork and they were really excited by the possibility of doing something similar in their own community," Dr Butler said.
"Indigenous, academic and art circles are really excited by this exhibition and the challenge it presents to traditional views on contemporary Indigenous culture."
The exhibition has been supported by the Queensland Government through Department of Education, Training and the Arts, and the Queensland Indigenous Arts Marketing and Export Agency (QIAMEA), Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Australian Government. QIAMEA promotes Queensland’s Indigenous arts industry through marketing and export activity throughout Australia and internationally.
Our Way, Contemporary Aboriginal Art from Lockhart River is currently on show at the University of Virginia.
Story: Jill Martin
Last reviewed 16 June 2008
