‘A MURRIALITY’ is the first survey of renowned Waanyi artist Gordon Hookey, charting three decades of practice where artmaking and activism fuse.

Gordon Hookey’s work is best known for its biting satire of Australian culture and politics, its witty critique of racism, and an exploration of oral and image-based history-making traditions. Across sculpture, printmaking, video, and large-scale painting, ‘A MURRIALITY’ presents perspectives on historical and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through the lens of Hookey’s lived experience as a Murri person, this includes legal injustices, international conflict, cultural representations, and language.

The exhibition features a significant new commission supported by the UNSW Galleries Commissioners Circle that draw inspiration from Hookey’s vast collection of political posters and continues his acclaimed series of protest banners. Made for use in the public realm at Invasion Day marches and rallies recognising Aboriginal resistance fighter Dundalli, Hookey’s banners provide timely socio-political commentary while also imagining a truly empowered Indigenous future.

Join us for the exhibition opening event: Fri 27 Sept 6-8pm. 

Free entry. All welcome.

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Curated by José Da Silva & Liz Nowell

Developed in partnership with the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane and presented with the support of the Australia Council for the Arts, Gordon Darling Foundation, IMA Commissioners Circle and UNSW Commissioners Circle. A national tour begins in 2023, supported by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia program.