Gordon Hookey: A MURRIALITY

‘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.

Curators: Liz Nowell & José Da Silva

Developed in partnership with the Institute of Modern Art, where the exhibition is presented from 21 October – 23 December 2022. This project is supported by the Australia Council for the Arts, Gordon Darling Foundation, IMA Commissioners Circle and UNSW Commissioners Circle.

Image: Gordon Hookey, 'MURRILAND 2' 2021. Oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist and Milani Gallery, Brisbane. © Gordon Allan Hookey/Copyright Agency, 2022