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Kaya, wanju Hello and welcome Bentley Campus enjoys the privilege of being located on the site where the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) and the Djarlgarra (Canning River) meet. The area is of great cultural significance and sustains the life and well-being of the traditional custodians past and present. The John Curtin Gallery is proud to honour the Noongar people and value this place of shared learning. We recognise the impacts of colonisation on Indigenous Australians and are committed to moving forward together in a spirit of mutual honour and respect.
Our Vision Through partnerships, we will make a difference for people and our planet.
Our Purpose To inspire audiences to reflect on contemporary issues and to create a more just and equitable world.
I am excited to present to you the 2024 Major Exhibition Program at the John Curtin Gallery. We have been working on these exhibitions for several years, and to see them come to fruition in 2024 is a delight. Aligned with Curtin University’s Vision, this exhibition program explores issues that matter: sustainability, truth-telling, our place in the world, and the role of the artist and creativity. Underpinning this we recognise that mental health is central to our wellbeing, and so our public program has been designed with this as the central principle. Look out for further information on these programs as the year unfolds. In Bunuru we will present two exhibitions for the Perth Festival - Yankunytjatjara artist Robert Fielding (NT), Kinara munu Tjintu (Moon and Sun), and Walyalup based artist Susan Flavell (WA), The Horn of the Moon, 13 Goddesses and their consorts. Both artists connect to a range of material processes that come from a commitment to the places they live and work. While using different methods, both artists lovingly reclaim detritus to create new forms. Our Djeran season features exhibitions that explore Truth-telling: The Strelley Mob and N’yettin-ngal Wagur Yeye Wongie [Ancestors breath - Today talk]. The Strelley Mob are the descendants of the Pilbara pastoral workers
ROBERT FIELDING, GRAVEYARDS IN BETWEEN, 2017, C-TYPE PRINT. COURTESY THE ARTIST AND MIMILI MAKU ARTS.
Major Exhibitions Program who went on strike in 1946 and went on to run their own mines and stations. This exhibition tells their story through drawings, paintings, and new animations. N’yettin-ngal Wagur - Yeye Wongie [Ancestors breath - Today talk] is curated by emerging Noongar Curator, Zali Morgan (Whadjuk, Ballardong, Wilman peoples), and features newly commissioned works by four contemporary Nyungar artists in response to The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artwork. Djilba sees the return of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial, IOTA24, exploring the theme Codes in Parallel. We finish the year with a blockbuster, Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio, on loan from the Art Gallery of New South Wales which offers a rare and intimate insight into the ‘artist’s world’ through the art and life of one of the most admired and intensely creative figures of twentieth century Australia. Alongside this exhibition we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the John Stringer Prize by showcasing the artists who have participated in the program over the last decade. This program is developed and delivered in partnership with Industry and Community and we encourage you to participate in the many events and activities we have planned. JANE KING INTERIM DIRECTOR
BU N U RU SE ASO N 2
Robert Fielding
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Susan Flavell DJE RA N /MA KU RU SE ASON
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The Strelley Mob
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N’yettin-ngal Wagur - Yeye Wongie [Ancestors breath - Today talk] DJI LBA SE ASO N
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IOTA24: CODES IN PARALLEL KA MBARAN G SE ASO N
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Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio
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John Stringer Prize 2024
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Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling
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Our Supporters
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Visiting the Gallery
BUNURU SEASON | 3
Robert Fielding
Kinara pulka irnyani palyanu. Tjintungku kampara utinu. [The big moon shone brightly and made. The sun burnt through and brought it out.] Revealing a complex and intertwined relationship with the spirit of the land, Kinara munu Tjintu [Moon and Sun] showcases Yankunytjatjara artist Robert Fielding’s diverse practice through photography, print and video. Engaging with site-specific interventions and process-based practices, Fielding merges abandoned objects, natural elements and sacred language as an ongoing dance between artist and country upon which he works. Robert Fielding is a contemporary artist of Pakistani, Afghan, Western Arrente and Yankunytjatjara descent, who lives in Mimili Community in remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands. Fielding won the work on paper category at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards in 2015 and 2017. He also won the 2015 Desart Photography Prize.
OPENING EVENT Thursday 8 February EXHIBITION 9 February - 14 April SUPPORTED BY Perth Festival Wesfarmers Arts Lotterywest
ROBERT FIELDING, MANTA MIILMIILPA [SACRED EARTH], 2021, UV PRINT ON COTTON RAG WITH AEROSOL PAINT ALTERATION. COURTESY THE ARTIST AND MIMILI MAKU ARTS.
BUNURU SEASON | 5
Susan Flavell
The Horn of the Moon, 13 Goddesses and their consorts (there are no museums at the end of the world) Seven years in the making, Walyalup based artist Susan Flavell’s The Horn of the Moon, 13 Goddesses and their consorts is a beautiful and frightening carnival: a day of the dead procession, a celebration, a call to arms. Like a shelter housing mythical beasts and animate detritus, washed up on an apocalyptic tide, the darkened gallery spaces are overwhelmed with objects, revealed through shimmering spotlights. Delving into realms of myth, objects, nature, and animals, Flavell invites viewers to contemplate the mystical and otherworldly. Through her use of recycled materials and her exploration of magical thinking, she challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the world around us. Flavell’s art speaks to our collective connection to the environment and the importance of sustainable practices. Flavell’s work has been showcased in notable exhibitions, most recently, Storm the Gods & Shake the Universe, FORM Gallery (2023), Golden Flowers, Art Collective (2018), The Horn of the Moon, John Curtin Gallery (2017), The Dog’s Artist, Fremantle Arts Centre (2016), An Internal Difficulty, PICA & AOTM (2015) and Freud’s Desk, Turner Galleries (2013).
OPENING EVENT Thursday 8 February EXHIBITION 9 February - 14 April SUPPORTED BY Perth Festival Wesfarmers Arts
SUSAN FLAVELL, SHE WHO SCRIBES THE SORROWS (A LOVE GODDESS) (DETAIL), 2018. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BO WONG.
DJERAN/MAKURU SEASON | 7
Pilbara Strike Project: The Strelley Mob
The Strelley Mob are the descendants of the Pilbara pastoral workers who went on strike in 1946 and went on to run their own mines and stations. The stories of the Strelley Mob – of hunting, pearl shell gathering, mining and organising themselves against a hostile government – were written and illustrated by elders for their children when they opened their own school. These original story books are jewels of Pilbara history, artefacts of a creative community making their own art and literature after generations of struggle. Their drawings, including some the first known art by Nyapuru William (Billy) Gardiner, are here newly animated and projected alongside paintings and artefacts that bring the history of the Strelley Mob to life.
Project Sponsors: Nomads Charitable and Educational Foundation, The Australian Research Council, DLGSC Wangka Maya Pilbara Aboriginal Language Centre and the School of Design, University of Western Australia
OPENING EVENT Thursday 9 May EXHIBITION 10 May - 7 July SUPPORTED BY Lotterywest
SHARON HALE, JULIE ZIEGENHARDT AND VLADIMIR TODOROVIC, JAPARTULUPA PIPILU NGAJU KANTANYIPULU KUYIKARTI (FATHER AND MOTHER TAKE ME TO GET MEAT), 2023, ANIMATION, DIMENSIONS VARIABLE
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N’yettin-ngal Wagur - Yeye Wongie [Ancestors breath - Today talk] Curated by emerging Noongar Curator, Zali Morgan (Whadjuk, Ballardong, Wilman peoples), N’yettin-ngal Wagur - Yeye Wongie [Ancestors breath - Today talk] features newly commissioned works by Amanda Bell, Brett Nannup, Lea Taylor and Tyrown Waigana, in response to The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artwork. The Carrolup Collection will provide a starting point for these early career artists to develop their own artistic responses, exploring non-linear and abstracted pathways, connecting emerging themes and issues to their own personal histories.
OPENING EVENT Thursday 9 May EXHIBITION 10 May - 7 July SUPPORTED BY Lotterywest Wesfarmers Arts
TYROWN WAIGANA, BLACKFELLAS ON GOOGLE ADS, 2019, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS. IMAGE COURTESY THE ARTIST.
DJILBA SEASON | 11
Indian Ocean Craft Triennial : CODES IN PARALLEL
Following the success of IOTA21, the second Triennial is informed by the theme, ‘Codes in Parallel’, which contemplates the multi-various languages inherent in contemporary craft. With a particular focus on the Indian Ocean Region, this multi-venue festival celebrates stories, old and new, re-acknowledging the innovative role of craft practices in today’s fast evolving technological era, and revealing how craft is integral to enhancing community cohesion, environmental impact and socio-economic improvement.
OPENING EVENT
John Curtin Gallery is a Major Exhibition Partner for IOTA24. The ‘Futuring Craft 24’ conference will extend the dialogue about the ‘Value of Craft’, co-hosted by IOTA and Curtin University’s School of Design & the Built Environment, 3-6 September 2024.
IOTA24
Thursday 1 August EXHIBITION 2 August - 29 September SUPPORTED BY
indianoceancrafttriennial.com
KIM DODD, SHAPES ON COUNTRY, 2022, TJANPI (NATIVE GRASS) AND RAFFIA WOVEN ON SALVAGED METAL CAR SEAT FRAME. PHOTOGRAPHY BY THEA WISCHUSEN
KAMBARANG SEASON | 13
Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio
Brett Whiteley: Inside the Studio, on tour at John Curtin Gallery from the Art Gallery of New South Wales, offers a rare and intimate insight into the ‘artist’s world’ through the art and life of one of the most admired and intensely creative figures of twentieth century Australia. Since 1995, the Brett Whiteley Studio has operated as a public museum, presenting an extraordinary time capsule of Whiteley’s art and life. The preserved world of Whiteley’s work is paint splattered and graffitied, littered with objets d’art collected from the artist’s travels and cluttered with books, music and photography. John Curtin Gallery is pleased to partner with the Art Gallery of New South Wales to present this exhibition of painting, drawing, sculpture, music and photography from the Brett Whiteley Studio. This exhibition presents a unique opportunity for Western Australian audiences to experience the breadth and depth of Whiteley’s artistic life.
OPENING NIGHT Thursday 24 October EXHIBITION 25 October - 15 December This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program
An Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition
SUPPORTED BY Lendlease The Navigators
BRETT WHITELEY STILL LIFE WITH MEAT 1975–76, ART GALLERY OF NEW SOUTH WALES, PURCHASED 1976 © WENDY WHITELEY/COPYRIGHT AGENCY
KAMBARANG SEASON | 15
John Stringer Prize 2024
The John Stringer Prize celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2024. The prize was inaugurated by The Collectors Club in celebration of the memory of one of Australia’s most acclaimed art curators, the late John Stringer (1937–2007). A long-term friend and mentor to its members, Stringer established The Collectors Club in Perth in 1996 to promote informed collecting and patronage of Western Australian contemporary art. Since 2018, the John Curtin Gallery has proudly presented the John Stringer Prize in partnership with The Collectors Club to continue this important legacy.
AWARD NIGHT Thursday 24 October EXHIBITION 25 October - 15 December SUPPORTED BY Lendlease The Collectors Club The Navigators
BJOERN RAINER-ADAMSON, WINNER 2019 JSP, PROTOZOON (DETAIL), 2019, KINETIC INSTALLATION, 120CM DIAMETER. INSTALLATION VIEW, JOHN STRINGER PRIZE 2019, JOHN CURTIN GALLERY.
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Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling
In 2013, The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artwork was returned to Western Australia, into the care of the John Curtin Gallery by Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, following its chance discovery there in 2004. The distinctive drawings in this collection were created by Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families and detained at the Carrolup Native Settlement, in Western Australia, in the 1940s. These treasured artworks are a compelling testament of the Stolen Generations that speak strongly of the steadfast resilience of Aboriginal people against the greatest of odds, and their enduring, deep spiritual connection to Country. Fulfilling a long-standing commitment to create a dedicated home for The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artwork, in 2024, the CBD portal for the Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling will open at the
Old Perth Boys School at Curtin St Georges Terrace with Once Known, a moving tribute to the lives and legacy of the Carrolup children. In the prelude to the Centre’s new development within the ground floor extensions of the John Curtin Gallery, exhibition, education and community engagement programs will be delivered at both it’s Bentley and CBD locations, to continue to shed light on the hidden truths of the Stolen Generations’ lived experiences. To find out more: curtin.edu.au/jcg/carrolup/ Special thanks to all of our Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling supporters, including BHP, Lotterywest, Gilbert + Tobin, and community and organisations.
ALMA TOOMATH (NÉE CUTTABUT), UNTITLED, C1949, PASTEL AND CHARCOAL ON PAPER, 17.7 X 24.7 CM
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Our Supporters
The Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling
The John Curtin Gallery acknowledges and thanks our supporters and partners who support us to create a more just and equitable world.
The Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling is a long-term project of the Gallery, committed to truth-telling and community healing activities through the Carrolup artworks created by children of the Stolen Generations. There are many ways to be involved, whether individually, corporately, or through bespoke partnerships.
Make a Gift Your individual gift will support thought-provoking exhibition experiences and diverse cultural learning opportunities. You may wish to make a financial gift today, donate an artwork, or consider leaving a gift in your Will.
The Navigators Our Navigators are explorers and wayfinders, mapping points of connection between aesthetics and ethics, between art and conscience. They are art lovers who understand the subtle yet profound impact of guiding others to the experience of looking at the world through a different lens. Together, they enjoy exclusive exhibition previews and behind-the-scenes opportunities.
Corporate support Our exhibitions and associated public programs reach into the broader Western Australian community as well as Curtin’s large student population. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available for like-minded organisations who are interested in promoting dialogue at the intersection of social change and aesthetics.
FIND OUT MORE https://jcg.curtin.edu.au/support
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PRESENTING PARTNERS
EXHIBITION PARTNERS
NOMADS
CHARITABLE & EDUCATIONAL FUND
PROGRAM PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
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Access and Inclusion
Visiting the Gallery
Everyone is welcome at the John Curtin Gallery. We are committed to ensuring art is accessible to everyone in our community. You can learn more on our website: www.jcg.curtin.edu.au/accessibility or at: about.curtin.edu.au/values-vision-strategy/ diversity-equity/disability-accessibility
Enter the campus via the main entrance on Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia.
All exhibitions and public programs at the Gallery are free of charge. Our facilitated workshops attract a fee. Discounts are available for pensioners, students and healthcare card holders. We accept the Companion Card for workshops.
Join the JCG mailing list With an extensive exhibition program supported by a diverse public program of events, floor talks, workshops, tours and special initiatives, joining our mailing list is the best way to ensure you don’t miss anything. Visit: jcg.curtin.edu.au/contact to subscribe.
Pre-plan your parking. There are short term visitor bays available in the Blue Zone, with payment taken at the closest pay station located south of the Gallery (see adjacent map). Curtin has an electronic pay-as-you-go parking system called CellOPark. Visit: www.cellopark.com.au to download the CellOPark app. All visitors should park in the Yellow Zone, Blue or Orange zones - rates and access vary, visit: properties.curtin.edu.au/getting-here/driving/zonesand-rates. Parking on weekends is free. There are a number of ACROD parking bays available. Please search www.properties.curtin.edu.au/maps/ using ‘Parking ACROD’ for the locations of these bays. Taxi Stand 2 is located at the flagpoles adjacent to the John Curtin Gallery. We encourage you to plan your visit. For more information you can speak to our friendly team on +61 8 9266 4155, email gallery@curtin.edu.au or visit www.jcg.curtin.edu.au/plan-your-visit
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The Forum
Edinburgh Oval South
Jack Finney Lake
Alcoa Court
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JOHN CURTIN
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EXCHANGE PRECINCT
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John Curtin Gallery Building 200A, Curtin University Kent St, Bentley Western Australia 6102 Mon to Fri 11am-5pm Sun 12-4pm Closed Sat (except Feb) & Public Holidays Free admission @johncurtingallery gallery@curtin.edu.au www.jcg.curtin.edu.au 08 9266 4155
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