Vincent Namitjira Unknown soldiers, (detail) 2018, acrylic on army surplus material, 122 x 91 cm each. Courtesy of the artist, Iwantja Arts and This Is No Fantasy
Presented as part of Tarnanthi: Festival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art
A major exhibition bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian artists to examine complex perspectives on weaponry, warfare, rights and freedom across the generations.
“The idea for Weapons for the soldier came from a group of young artists and future leaders from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands: Vincent Namatjira, Anwar Young, Kamurin Young, Derek Jungarrayi Thompson and Aaron Ken. Vincent and the young Anangu artists invited Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists from across Australia, whose work shares common themes, to join them in this project.
The title Weapons for the soldier has been used over the years by Kunmanara (Ray) Ken in his paintings of traditional weaponry. The young men chose this title to honour the tjilpies (senior men) of the APY Lands and their role in passing on knowledge to younger generations. My grey-haired friends and I – the tjilpies of the APY Lands’ art centres – watched over this project like we watch over our art centres. We are proud of the young artists for driving this groundbreaking and important project.
The tjilpies involved in this exhibition have spent their lives protecting Tjukurpa (ancestral law and knowledge), Country and family. From working with other artists, we have found common ground. Connection to Country and protecting Country is something that artists from all over Australia make work about and share stories about. This has become the heart of Weapons for the soldier.”
Excerpt from essay by Frank Young, Anangu Elder and senior artist.
APY Lands Artists: Alec Baker | Eric Barney | Willy Kaika Burton | Pepai Jangala Carroll | Taylor Cooper | Sammy Dodd | Witjiti George | Rupert Jack | Kunmanara (Brenton) Ken | Kunmanara (Ray) Ken | Maruku Arts and Crafts | Hector Mitakiki | Junior Mitakiki | Kamarin Mitakiki | Kunmanara (Willy Muntjantji) Martin | Peter Mungkuri | Vincent Namatjira | Kunmanara (Jimmy) Pompey | Keith Stevens | Derek Jungarrayi Thompson | Thomas Ilytjari Tjilya | Bernard Tjalkuri | Ginger Wikilyiri | Mick Wikilyiri | Kunmanara (Mumu Mike) Williams | Anwar Young | Frank Young | Kamurin Young | Young men of Amata
Invited Artists: Abdul Abdullah | Tony Albert | Brook Andrew | Lionel Bawden | George Gittoes | Shaun Gladwell | Richard Lewer | Uncle Charles ‘Chicka’ Madden & Jonathan Jones | Danie Mellor | Steaphan Paton | Ben Quilty | Reko Rennie | Greg Semu | Alex Seton
Taylor Cooper and Witjiti George Piltati and Malara: A story of love and war, (detail) 2018, acrylic on linen, 200 x 300 cm, Courtesy of the artists and Kaltjiti Arts
Weapons for the Soldier was developed during the centenary of Anzac and the First World War and realised against the backdrop of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Murray Bridge Regional Gallery is proud to be presenting this exhibition as part of the exemplary Tarnanthi: Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art - we have an excellent and long-standing relationship with Art Gallery of SA and Weapons for the Soldier represents our first partnership with Tarnanthi.
A powerful, profound exhibition, Weapons for the Soldier stands in a continuum of projects driven by Anangu’s fierce determination in protecting Tjukurpa – country and culture. As Frank Young, Anangu Elder, cultural custodian, and senior artist, explains: “Violence and war are not something we celebrate, but something that we must be brave enough to think about, share and discuss.”
By inviting artist peers from outside of the APY Lands, the Anangu curators have generated a deep and crucial dialogue that offers more accurate articulation of Australia’s history the truths of our current situation what lies ahead of us and how to best negotiate the challenges toward mutual respect and prosperity.
The project has inspired insightful responses from invited artists that, together with the Anangu works, unpack the many meanings of warfare and weaponry, reflect shared concerns for and commitment to maintaining culture as the foundation of humanity, as well as dedication to fighting for rights and freedom.
Excerpt from introduction by Director Fulvia Mantelli, Special Event 13 October 2019
A touring exhibition by APY Art Centre Collective and Hazelhurst Arts Centre, assisted by the Australian Government's Visions of Australia program. This project has been supported by the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary Arts and Culture Fund, the Australia Council for the Arts, Arts SA, Create NSW, Sutherland Shire Council, and the Gordon Darling Foundation.
