"Austr-aliens: A Group Exhibition, Curated by Eva Fernandez, Exploring Issues of Identity in Contemporary Australian Culture"
2003-07-23 until 2003-08-31
Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts
Perth, , AU

Australiens explores the inconsistencies associated with Australia’s representation as a harmonious, inclusive society of rich cultural diversity. In a world confronted with cultural encounters, the way in which they are negotiated, reflects on the national identity. Past and recent developments and events have not put Australia in the forefront of multicultural relations.

The works included in this exhibition challenges inconsistencies and the absence of Indigenous representation. It also examines past and present immigration policies and the migrant as a perpetually ethnicised subject. Works also deliberate recent occurrences associated with asylum seekers and marginalisation based on religious and cultural difference.

Australiens also investigates borders, boundaries, spatial divisions, occupation and displacement and the physical and psychological consequence on those they impact upon.

Particular works in the show draw upon Australia’s colonial past as a way of explaining present circumstances, while others examine specific current events and their manifestations.

Through installation, performance, video, photography and mixed media, this exhibition draws on a range of cross-cultural encounters in order to challenge and disrupt the idyllic construct of this nation as a harmonious multicultural society.

Penelope Aitken (VIC) • Roseanne Bartley (VIC) • Consuelo Cavaniglia (WA) • Brenda L Croft (WA/ACT) • Paul Gazzola (WA) • Dianne Jones (WA) • Deborah Kelly (NSW) • Michael McGhie (WA) • Tom Müller (WA) • Andrew Nicholls (WA) • Geoffrey Peter Overheu (WA) • Christian Thompson (VIC) • Michelle Siciliano (WA) • Brendan van Hek (WA) • curated by Eva Fernandez (WA) This project is part of PICA’s ongoing emerging curator program, made possible by sponsorship from Healthway to promote FPWA's "Play it Safe" message.

IMAGE:
Penelope Aitken
Installation
b. 1967 Melbourne, Victoria
Lives and works in Melbourne

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for Australia

Other Important Exhibitions in Australia