Adopted Country

Western Sydney Creative invited Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist and curator Dennis Golding to select artworks by Indigenous Australia artist held in the western Sydney Univeristy art collection as a method for discovery and interplay between the artworks.

Golding selected artworks using the poignant theme of Adopted Country, as an important way to consider and view the artwork. The term adopted is one often used by Golding to highlight stories of the Australian diaspora which speak about his own familial history, and for many communities who have migrated to Sydney. The expression also speaks to the actual process of the collecting artworks in which they now become adopted and cared for by their new Country and its inhabitants.

The artworks explore the themes of Adopted Country by highlighting artists’ connection to Country and stories of place. Whether artists are speaking from their cultural lineage to Dharug, or artists from around the country, they present stories of our lands, waters, and skies.

Together these artworks are markers in time on this land, and present how cultural practices and explorations of identity are shared through contemporary art practices.

Artists:
Billy Bain, Dion Beasley, Janice Bruny, Sade Carrington, Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Michael Cook Blak Douglas, Fiona Foley, Alice Hinton Bateup, Mabel Juli, Marrirra Marawili, Kukula Mcdonald, Arone Raymond Meeks, Tommy Minburra, Tracey Moffatt, Balwaldja Munuŋgurr, Clinton Naina, Omborrin, Andrea Pindan, Shirley Purdie, Elaine Russell, Marilyn Russell, Christopher Tobin, Leanne Tobin, Ian Waldron, Aunty Edna Marriong Watson, Leanne Watson, Judy Watson, Barrupu Yunupiŋu, Gulumbu Yunupiŋu and Nancy Gaymala Yunupiŋu