Defying Empire

defying: to challenge the power of, to resist boldly or openly; empire: a group of nations or peoples ruled over by an emperor or other powerful government.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists look to the past, to their ancestral or cultural teachings and histories to inform their present thoughts. Whether inspirational, informative or heartbreaking, their works open up and encourage conversations that are essential to dispel myths, stereotypes and outdated ideologies.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, which gave Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the right to be counted as Australians on the census for the first time, the works in Defying Empire open up conversations through an assemblage of stories, bringing together our inherited chapters of Australia’s history from across the country.

Defying Empire celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice, stories and achievements but does not shy away from Australia’s complex histories. It reinforces and showcases our resilience, pride, diversity and strength and our ongoing connections to Country, family, community, culture and history. The works demystify, re-engage, inspire and reinforce our resilience and, more importantly, our identity. From those who fought for our basic right to be counted to our modern-day warriors, and those yet to be seen in the future, keep up the good fight.

#DefyingEmpire, #1967Referendum, #deadlyart