Reconciliation Action Plan

Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Reconciliation Action Plan 35 CASE STUDY: EXHIBITION ‘Tony Albert: Visible’, Queensland Art Gallery, 2 June – 7 October 2018 The 2018 exhibition ‘Visible’ was the first major survey of the work of Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji artist Tony Albert, one of the most exciting young artists working today. All aspects of his practice — from object- based assemblages to painting, photography, video and installation — provide a powerful response to the misrepresentation of Australia’s First Peoples in popular and collectible imagery. The title of the exhibition ‘Visible’ was drawn from one of Albert’s often-used quotes, ‘Invisible is my favourite colour’, which framed the exhibition. The exhibition questioned representations of Indigenous Australians through a mix of humour and poignancy while tackling issues of race and representation head on, presenting the artist’s epic appropriations and re-appropriations of kitsch ‘Aboriginalia’. Over 18 weeks, 215 772 people saw the exhibition. ‘Tony Albert: Visible’ was accompanied by the interactive Children’s Art Centre exhibition ‘We Can Be Heroes’ (19 May – 7 October 2018), which starred young collaborators from the remote Western Australian community of Warakurna and used heroic figures from popular culture to explore themes of empowerment and overcoming fears. The Gallery hopes to share this program with communities throughout the state through its Regional Touring program. As well as an illustrated publication, ‘Tony Albert: Visible’ was supported by an extensive range of public programs, with 97 per cent of the facilitators identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. The collections of ‘Aboriginalia’ in my practice are influenced by my experience growing up in north Queensland and finding comfort in the faces of Aboriginal people on everyday items and memorabilia. I commend QAGOMA for making Indigenous people visible on their own terms through their collecting and exhibiting programs. Tony Albert Opposite, from top: Installation view of ‘Tony Albert: Visible’, QAG / Photograph: Brad Wagner Girramay/Yidinyji/Kuku Yalanji artist Tony Albert leads an exhibition tour on the ‘Visible’ opening weekend, QAG / Photograph: Joe Ruckli Above: Installation view of ‘Tony Albert: Visible’, QAG / Photograph: Joe Ruckli / Artworks © Tony Albert