In Conversation: The Aboriginal Memorial

Join concept artist/curator of The Aboriginal Memorial (1987–88) Djon Mundine OAM (Bandjalung peoples) in a conversation with Bruce Johnson McLean (Wierdi, Birri-Gubba peoples), Barbara Jean Humphreys Assistant Director, First Nations Engagement.

The Aboriginal Memorial consists of 200 hollow log coffins from central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and is one of the most significant works of art in the National Gallery collection. It was created in 1987–88 by artists from Ramingining and the surrounding area. Each pole represents a year of European occupation and together they stand as a memorial to all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who lost their lives during the colonial occupation in Australia from 1788 to 1988. The artists who created this installation intended that it be located in a public place where it could be preserved for future generations. Currently, The Aboriginal Memorial stands at the main entrance to the National Gallery.