In addition to some much-loved sunshine and warm weather in
Bungaree: The First Australian brings together 17 major Aboriginal artists to create a contemporary multi-arts response to the historical figure of Bunagree - the first person described in print as being an 'Australian' and commonly known as a mediator between English colonists and Aboriginal people, circumnavigating Australia with Matthew Flinders in 1802.
In an action-packed 3 day residency, the artists were introduced to the story of Bungaree, with guest lectures by Dr John Maynard and Dr Keith Vincent Smith, participated in workshops, brainstorms, and walking tours around Georges Heights to get the creative juices flowing - all on the scenic site of Bungaree's Farm in Mosman, land gifted to him by Governor Macquarie in 1815. Artists present at the weekend residency include Frances Belle-Parker, Karla Dickens, Fiona Foley, Adam Hill, Warwick Keen, Gary Lee, Gordon Syron, Leanne Tobin, Jason Wing, Mervyn Bishop,
Exhibition curator Djon Mundine and artists partcipating in a workshop
It was particularly interesting to hear these contributors share their thoughts about the controversial character of Bungaree and debate the benefits of his involvement in colonial settlement (or lack of!) - What were Bungaree's motivations in befriending Flinders? Which community was he really helping and why? It was also at times incredibly moving to be reminded of the consequent conflicts in control, culture and identity still so prominently faced by Aboriginal people now.
Over the next 12 months, the artists will be working furiously across multiple mediums (including painting, drawing, photography, digital media, sculpture and installation) to develop their artistic response, which will culminate in an inaugural exhibition at
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