Overview

Defying Empire: 3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial brings the works of 30 contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the country into the national spotlight.

Introduction

Defying Empire: 3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial commemorates the 50th anniversary of 1967 Referendum that recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australians for the first time.

Yhonnie Scarce

'I have a strong sense of pride to be a part of this exhibition. It’s quite a significant achievement for a national institution to have such a big Triennial that revolves around Aboriginal artists.’

Reko Rennie

‘I’m reusing [Kamilaroi designs] in a different context to promote visibility, promote identity, promote culture and then putting it on this symbol of colonialism and power and wealth … It is a very personal, emotional return to country.’ Reko Rennie reveals how his grandmother’s experience inspired his work in ‘Defying Empire’.

Karla Dickens

‘Being able to protest in the safety of your own home … is a great way to have a voice, a strong voice ... ‘Defying Empire’ sounds like a war cry and sums up our existence.’ Karla Dickens reflects on her evolution as an artist and shares her fascinating artmaking process for ‘Defying Empire’.

Brian Robinson

‘It’s purely a celebration of what it’s like to be an Indigenous person within this country, here and now … we are still here, we are still forging ahead very strongly into the future.’ Brian Robinson reveals the personal stories, history and tradition behind his works in ‘Defying Empire’.

Sandra Hill

‘Art has taught me about my people, it’s taught me about my history. It’s forced me into realising what my people have suffered, what we’ve been through, what we’ve survived … I’ve been defying empire for several decades now.’ Sandra Hill shares the impact of being the fourth generation of stolen children in her family.

Linda Burney MP

'Australia is learning slowly to tell the truth and this exhibition is part of that truth-telling.’

Linda Burney MP, a proud Wiradjuri woman and the first Aboriginal woman elected to the house of representatives gives her thoughts on Defying Empire.  

Wesley Enoch

‘Every time you see a contemporary piece of Aboriginal art you are reminded that we haven’t gone away.’

Wesley Enoch, a proud Noonuccal and Nuugi man and the Sydney Festival Director talks Defying Empire.    

Janine Mohamed

‘I hope that the Australian comes and really reflects and thinks about its place in the story we have to tell.’

Janine Mohamed, a proud Narrunga and Kaurna woman and CEO CATSINaM shares her thoughts on Defying Empire.

Ben Quilty

‘This show is so important for everyone in this country. There is something here for everybody.’

Artist Ben Quilty shares his thoughts on Defying Empire.