Image: Djon Mundine OAM with Ramingining artists Roy Burrnyila and Bobby Bununggurr with ‘The Aboriginal Memorial 1987-88’. Image courtesy of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

Conceived by Djon Mundine OAM in collaboration with Ramingining artists of Central Arnhem Land and commissioned by the National Gallery of Australia’s inaugural director James Mollison AO, The Aboriginal Memorial is an installation of 200 hollow log coffins from Central Arnhem Land. It commemorates all the indigenous people who, since 1788, have lost their lives defending their land. The artists who created this installation intended that it be located in a public place where it could be preserved for future generations.

This year, it is the 30th Anniversary of The Aboriginal Memorial. To celebrate, the National Gallery of Australia is hosting an Annual Lecture and Symposium.

Annual Lecture
Thursday 11 October 2018, 6.00pm

Djon Mundine OAM in conversation with NGA Director, Nick Mitzevich

Time : 6.00pm
Venue : The Aboriginal Memorial then James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia 
Price : $20, $15 NGA Members/concession

On the 30th anniversary of The Aboriginal Memorial (1987–1988), join Djon Mundine OAM and the Director of the National Gallery of Australia, Nick Mitzevich, in conversation for the NGA’s Annual Lecture.

Symposium
Friday 12 and Saturday 13 October 2018

This symposium examines the ongoing significance of The Aboriginal Memorial (1987–1988)

Time : 9.30am to 4.30pm
Venue : James O Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia 
Price : $135, $110 NGA Members/concession

This two-day symposium examines the ongoing significance of The Aboriginal Memorial (1987–1988) and its context within contemporary art, Yolngu culture and creative practices, as well as relation to recent memorials from across Australia and internationally.

Keynote addresses by Fiona Foley and David Garneau. Roundtable discussions with Djon Mundine OAM and senior Ramingining men Roy Burnyila Malibirr and Bobby Bununnggurr, and a Director’s Roundtable chaired by Brenda L. Croft.

Symposium Conveners

Djon Mundine OAM, independent curator and conceptual producer of The Aboriginal Memorial (1987–1988) 
Franchesca Cubillo , Senior Curator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, National Gallery of Australia  
Professor Ian McLean , Hugh Ramsay Chair in Australian Art History, University of Melbourne  
Professor Mark Ledbury , Power Professor of Art History and Visual Culture, Director of the Power Institute, The University of Sydney

 

Source: National Gallery of Australia