Country | Sidney Nolan Trust
The Sidney Nolan Trust in partnership with Aboriginal Art UK hosted the first-ever exhibition of Aboriginal Art at Sidney Nolan’s former home, The Rodd. The exhibition brought together artwork by over twenty highly regarded Aboriginal artists and included new work by contemporary Aboriginal artists, Wiradjuri-British artist Jasmine Coe, and Gadigal artist Kate Constantine (Konstantina), introducing Konstantina's work to the UK.
Introduction
Art is about stories. The story an artist tries to convey in their work. The stories we as viewers use to interpret it. And the stories art historians tell to explain the stylistic evolutions in art. Early overseas exhibitions of Australian Aboriginal art, and Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s work in particular, saw critics rely on these stories in their attempt to define the art in terms of modernism, or abstract expressionism. Though Aboriginal Art may appear abstract, it contains a narrative. Its iconography tells the stories of its people, their Creation and Dreaming stories, and their country.
The term ‘Country’ has a particular significance to Aboriginal peoples. It encompasses the interdependent relationship between the people and their ancestral lands and seas. It also contains complex ideas about culture, spirituality, language, kin relationships, identity, material sustenance and family.
This exhibition features works by artists from Utopia, Papunya Tula, Spinifex, Balgo, Mimili Maku, Irrunytju Arts, Warlukurlangu, Bindi Mwerre Anthurre, and Tjala Arts. It also introduces two contemporary Aboriginal artists.
The gallery we are exhibiting in was once the studio of Sidney Nolan, another great Australian artist. He understood the need to tell the stories of Australia, and its peoples. His work reflected the experiences of settlers and First Australians. The stories of his Country.
And while the area we call Australia is considered one country, to the people who have lived there for over 60,000 years, it is many. And with this exhibition we are delighted to bring some of their stories to you.
