Full Circle

28 SEPTEMBER – 14 OCTOBER 2018

The flows of migration across the globe, whether voluntary or not, has resulted in the intercultural contact of many different people. For those born into settler societies like Australia, with family originating from other countries, growing up in this dichotomy can be a confusing and conflicting period.

Transitioning from childhood to adulthood is usually compounded with cultural transitions as questions about identity come to the forefront of development. There may be a time in their lives where they choose to completely disassociate from their cultures due to embarrassment or insecurity. However, there is a noticeable pattern to be traced whereby as these individuals grow older, they reconsider their roots, identity, culture, and traditions.

Responding to this year’s Critical Animals Creative Research Symposium theme of ‘Give and Take’ in a very literal context, this exhibition considers the inheritance of family cultural traditions and how artists delve into the past to navigate their futures. FULL CIRCLE explores how artists come to reconsider their roots and identity, and go on to create and express versions of their cultural traditions in contemporary art practice to be passed on and communicated to a wider audience.

Bringing together the works of local and international artists in a variety of mediums ranging from sculptural installation, video works and large-scale textiles, this exhibition highlights the shame of lived experiences, pays tribute to family members and diasporic histories and engages in traditional forms of art making passed down through generations.

Featuring artists Athena Thebus, Hossein Ghaemi, Sancintya Mohini Simpson, Elham Eshraghian and Quishile Charan.

Curated by Nanette Orly.

Image title: Sancintya Mohini Simpson Blood-link 2013, digital video, sound (looped), duration 00:03:10 mins