SYDNEY – The MEMORY/MYTH exhibition at Ames Yavuz gallery brings together films and video installations that emerge from the encounters with indigeneity, diaspora, and the global impacts of colonialism. Director Ananya Mukhopadhyay recently introduced this new gallery space in Sydney, showcasing the works of 27 internationally recognized artists. MEMORY/MYTH Exhibition at Ames Yavuz: A Global Dialogue on Indigeneity and Colonialism
The gallery emphasizes its commitment to featuring international artists in Australia, including six Indigenous artists whose works delve deeply into cultural and political narratives.
Featured Indigenous Artists
Richard Bell
Kamilaroi, Kooma, Jiman, and Gurang Gurang man Richard Bell is a prominent figure in Australian art. His work, No Tin Shack, 2022, explores the complex dynamics of Western, colonial, and Indigenous art production. Bell’s impact was solidified when he received the Telstra National Aboriginal Art Award in 2003.
Brook Andrew
Wiradjuri, Ngunnawal man Brook Andrew’s interdisciplinary art practice navigates the intersections of various narratives, often emerging from the “Colonial Wuba (hole).” His film SMASH IT (2018) will be on display, reflecting his perspective as an Indigenous person of Australia.
Amrita Hepi
Bundjulung/Ngapuhi Territories woman Amrita Hepi, an artist and choreographer based in Naarm and Bangkok, will present Scripture for a Smokescreen: Episode 1 Dolphin House, 2022. Hepi is a critically acclaimed artist, twice winning the people’s choice award for the Keir Choreographic Award.
Jacob Nash
Daly River man Jacob Nash, Head Designer at Bangarra Dance Theatre since 2010, has designed captivating sets for all of their productions. His innovative designs contribute significantly to the visual storytelling of Bangarra’s performances.
Stephen Page
Nunukul, Munaldjal man Stephen Page has been the Artistic Director of Bangarra since 1991. He has created a distinctive body of work, marking significant achievements in the Australian performing arts scene and innovating First Peoples’ storytelling.
Jayda Wilson
Gugada, Wirangu woman Jayda Wilson, an emerging artist operating in unceded Kaurna Yarta, showcases her work Blood Reign II, 2023. This piece includes sound elements and an archival oral history interview conducted by the City of Adelaide, reflecting her efforts to reclaim native language through family history narratives.
Exhibition Highlights
The MEMORY/MYTH exhibition features 20 artworks never before exhibited in Australia, exploring the diverse experiences of Indigenous people worldwide and the impacts of colonialism. Ames Yavuz celebrates its rich cultural heritage while maintaining a strong international perspective, supported by rigorous curatorial methods fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Rachel Lowry, Bush Heritage Australia’s chief executive, expressed her delight at being chosen as the charity partner for this project. “The gift is incredibly generous and reflects our shared passion for conservation and sustainability. This beautiful dress will help us protect our most precious ecosystems – places that, just like the dress, are unique and irreplaceable,” she said.
The gallery offers a platform for compelling artistic expressions addressing pressing contemporary issues, honoring narratives with authenticity, creativity, and humor. The MEMORY/MYTH exhibition is open until July 13, 2024, inviting visitors to engage with powerful stories of resilience and cultural heritage.
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