Join the MCA for a panel discussion on the impact of John Mawurndjul’s art practice on the contemporary art world, as part of his newly opened major survey exhibition at the MCA:

John Mawurndjul: I am the old and the new.

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Mawurndjul’s distinctive and innovative work has forever changed both national and international perceptions and recognition of Aboriginal contemporary art. His inclusion in landmark international exhibitions such as Magiciens de la Terre1989 (Centre Pompidou, France), as well as exhibitions at Museum Tinguely (Switzerland) and Musee de Quai Branly (France), opened doors for many First Nations artists. 

This panel will critically address the impact of this history on contemporary artists and curators today, as well as the importance of ongoing consideration for agency, representation and self-determination of contemporary Aboriginal art practices.

John Mawurndjul, with translation by Dr Murray Garde, is joined by Nici Cumpston, (Artistic Director, TARNANTHI Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, AGSA) and Stephen Gilchrist (Associate Lecturer of Indigenous Art, University of Sydney). Moderated by Clothilde Bullen, MCA Curator of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Collections and Exhibitions.

Image:  Left to right: John Mawurndjul, Nawarramulmul (Shooting star spirit), 1988, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia. Purchased with funds donated by Mr and Mrs Jim Bain, 1989 © John Mawurndjul, licensed by Viscopy 2017: John Mawurndjul, Ngalyod, 2012, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, purchased with funds provided by the MCA Foundation, 2015, © John Mawurndjul, licensed by Viscopy 2017; John Mawurndjul, Nialyod (Female rainbow serpent), 1988, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, purchased with funds donated by Mr and Mrs Jim Bain, 1989, © John Mawurndjul, licensed by Viscopy 2017; John Mawurndjul, Ancestral spirit beings collecting honey, (1985–1987), Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Maningrida Arts & Culture with financial assistance from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board of the Australia Council, 1994, © John Mawurndjul, licensed by Viscopy 2017

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