The work of Australian artist Brook Andrew (b. 1970) examines histories of humankind to reveal stories of power and repression. This display brings together two contemporary portraits of Indigenous Australian leaders, Marcia Langton and Anthony Mundine. Andrew has contributed striking wall designs that amplify the energy and powerful convictions of the duo, with the optical patterns in the works and wall referring to the artist’s Wiradjuri heritage, one aspect of his identity. Appearing in the Marilyn Darling Gallery, the entrance point to the Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection, the display foreshadows our current, Indigenous thematic, acknowledging the importance of 2017 as the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum relating to Indigenous Australians, and the 25th anniversary of the Mabo judgement.
Marcia Langton AM (b. 1951), Foundation Chair and Professor of Australian Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne, is a descendant of the Yiman and Bidjara nations of Queensland. She has published widely in the field of Aboriginal studies, on topics including land tenure, agreement-making, art and film. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 for services to anthropology and advocacy of Aboriginal rights.
