Art Talk 1: The Aboriginal Memorial

Drop in, no booking required

Welcome to Country by Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan followed by an 'in conversation' with Commissioning Curator of The Aboriginal Memorial (1987 – 1988) Djon Mundine OAM (Bandjalung peoples) and Bruce Johnson McLean (Wierdi / Birri-Gubba peoples), Barbara Jean Humphrey’s Assistant Director, First Nations..

Viewed by many as the most important work in the National Gallery’s collection, The Aboriginal Memorial, now placed at the heart of the Gallery, was created by forty-three artists from Ramingining, Central Arnhem Land to commemorate all the Indigenous [GC1] people who, since 1788, have lost their lives defending their land. The Memorial marks a watershed in the history of Australian society. Whilst intended as a war memorial, the work is also a historical statement, a testimony to the resilience of Indigenous people and culture in the face of great odds, and a legacy for future generations of Australians.

Djon Mundine is a proud Bandjalung man from the Northern Rivers of New South Wales who lives and works in Marragon / Mittagong. A curator, writer, artist and activist, he is celebrated as a foundational figure in the criticism and exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art. Djon Mundine won The Australia Council’s 2020 Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement and is currently an independent curator of contemporary Indigenous art, in addition to his ongoing service as a cultural mentor.

A series of Art Talks across the weekend of the National Gallery’s 40th Anniversary with artists and National Gallery curators sharing stories of works from the collection.