Russell Page (1968–2002), choreographer, dancer and actor, was from the Nunukul (Noonuccal) people and the Munaldjali clan of the Yugambeh people of south-east Queensland. Formerly a talented rugby league player, at sixteen he moved to Sydney to study at the Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre. Overcoming his initial rebellion at the discipline of dance, he quickly became 'pure spirit' in performance, equally breathtaking as an earth-bound or aerial dancer. With brothers Stephen, an artistic director, and David, a composer, he co-founded the Bangarra Dance Theatre, and was its principal artist from 1991. He also appeared on film and television, including a role in Tracey Moffatt's Bedevil. The Bangarra production Walkabout received ecstatic reviews from critics, with Russell’s solo singled out for special praise. He died in July 2002, leaving his family, his three children, and Australian art, dance and Aboriginal communities mourning an irreplaceable loss.
In 1997 Gurindji artist Brenda L. Croft co-curated the exhibition fluent: Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Yvonne Koolmatrie and Judy Watson as Australia's contribution to the 47th Venice Biennale. Page performed his interpretation of a painting in the Australian Pavilion, for the first two weeks of the Biennale. Judy Watson painted the designs on his body with reference to the works in the exhibition. These photographs were taken by Croft in Venice shortly before one of Page's performances.
Purchased 2002
© Brenda L Croft/Copyright Agency, 2023
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