Connecting the Dots: First Peoples Art from the NGV with Tony Armstrong

NGV

A four-episode series that delves into the stories, works and artists in the NGV’s globally significant collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and design. Inspired by the new ground floor galleries Wurrdha Marra, located at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, the podcast series features interviews between Armstrong and trailblazing figures of First Peoples creativity who are challenging stereotypes and pushing contemporary discourse into new and surprising contexts. These include Destiny Deacon, Tony Albert, Keemon Williams and Amrita Hepi. Further conversations with NGV’s Director Tony Ellwood AM, Senior Curator Myles Russell-Cook and Curator of Australian and First Nations Art Sophie Gerhard, the podcast contextualises the breadth and diversity of First Peoples art and design; how it has developed over 65,000 years; and the wealth of disciplines utilised by practitioners today.

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Ep. 4 Absence and Presence with Amrita Hepi

Ep. 4 Absence and Presence with Amrita Hepi

In the final episode of the series, Armstrong interviews artist and choreographer Amrita Hepi, whose work challenges societal definitions of intelligence and the standards of Western knowledge systems, while inviting a reflection on language. Hepi joins Armstrong via Zoom from the Northern Hemisphere, for a conversation about ethics, intelligence, and ultimately, how the way we treat others says more about us than them.

Episodes

Ep. 4 Absence and Presence with Amrita Hepi

Ep. 4 Absence and Presence with Amrita Hepi

In the final episode of the series, Armstrong interviews artist and choreographer Amrita Hepi, whose work challenges societal definitions of intelligence and the standards of Western knowledge systems, while inviting a reflection on language. Hepi joins Armstrong via Zoom from the Northern Hemisphere, for a conversation about ethics, intelligence, and ultimately, how the way we treat others says more about us than them.

Ep. 3 Illuminating Histories with Tony Albert and Keemon Williams

Ep. 3 Illuminating Histories with Tony Albert and Keemon Williams

Armstrong talks to contemporary artists Tony Albert and Keemon Williams, whose works both look to reframe First Nations histories in different ways by appropriating found materials, language, and symbols of their culture. Williams is the youngest artist in the Wurrdha Marra exhibition, while Albert is a senior figure in the art world, known for using what he calls ‘Aboriginalia’ in his work. Both artists explore the intersection of queerness with Aboriginality, with a particular fondness for the aesthetics of camp.

Ep. 2 Humour with Destiny Deacon

Ep. 2 Humour with Destiny Deacon

Internationally renowned contemporary artist Destiny Deacon is known for her nuanced, thoughtful and, at times, intensely funny snapshots of Australian life. Armstrong and Deacon discuss the artists incredible thirty-year practice, her coining of the term ‘blak’ and her work spanning photography, video, sculpture and installation. Together, Armstrong and Deacon discuss the use of humour as a way of making sense of tragedy.

Ep. 1 Wurrdha Marra ‘Many Mobs’ with Wurundjeri and NGV

Ep. 1 Wurrdha Marra ‘Many Mobs’ with Wurundjeri and NGV

Armstrong meets Aunty Gail Smith, Wurundjeri Elder and Language Custodian who shares the meaning behind the Wurrdha Marra name, meaning ‘Many Mobs’. Armstrong also speaks to Tony Ellwood AM, Director, NGV and Myles Russell-Cook, Senior Curator of Australian and First Nations Art, NGV about commissioning, collecting and presenting First Nations Art at NGV, and the role of galleries as custodians of material culture, and in storytelling for audiences. They also discuss how the exhibition, and NGVs Collection, celebrates the diversity of First Nations art and design through the work of First Peoples from around the Country.