Major exhibition of contemporary Indigenous art to open at UQ Art Museum

Identity, racism, displacement, Country, nuclear testing, sovereignty and the Stolen Generations are among the important issues explored in a survey of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art opening on 28 July at The University of Queensland Art Museum.

Touring from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), Defying Empire: 3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial brings together 30 established, mid-career and emerging Indigenous artists from across the nation.

The exhibition features artworks of various media, from painting on canvas and bark, to weaving and sculpture, video, prints, photography, metalwork and glasswork.

NGA Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Tina Baum said the exhibition marked the ongoing resistance, resilience and defiance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people against colonisation, from first contact through the 1967 Referendum and up until today.

‘Defying Empire reflects the strength, creativity, diversity and pride of contemporary Indigenous artists, highlighting the historical and ongoing activism by Indigenous people to gain equality in this country,’ Ms Baum said.

UQ Art Museum Director Dr Campbell Gray said the questions prompted by the artists featured in Defying Empire were important for all Australians to ask and answer.

‘By challenging us to engage with important social justice issues through a powerful and provocative selection of artworks, this exhibition not only encourages us to reflect on our country’s past, but also compels us to consider how we can shape a better future,’ Dr Gray said.

‘The artworks presented in Defying Empire are contemporary and hard-hitting – it’s a must-see show for Brisbane audiences.’

Defying Empire: 3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial is a National Gallery of Australia Exhibition. The exhibition runs from 28 July until 11 November. Entry is free.

A list of participating artists can be found here.

Download images for print and web here.

Media: Sonia Uranishi, sonia@soniauranishicommunication.com, +61 409 387 623.