Sector: Arts and Culture
Country location: Australia, Republic of Korea
Grantee: Milani Gallery

Project Description

From 2 September 2016 Harding will present a new, large-scale wall mural as part of Asia's premier contemporary art event: the 11th Gwangju Biennale, Republic of Korea. Founded in 1995, it is the oldest biennial of contemporary art in Asia and has established Gwangju as a key cultural hub of the region, drawing national and international attention. A site-specific work created on location, my wall-based painting will be narrative in structure and will be made using the ochres and techniques unique to my Aboriginal heritage. As a descendent of the Bidjara, Ghungalu and Garingbal peoples of Central Queensland, my work will make visible the styles and methods sovereign to our artistic traditions. The work itself relates to ochre blowing techniques and the bodily records of my family through the stencilling of hands, arms and objects. I take great pride in representing these traditions, and am interested in affirming their ongoing relevance through their presentation in the present. The idea of new cultural exchange between Indigenous Australia and Korea is exciting and important for sustaining the contemporary visibility of my people's culture. My work will also promote the great diversity and depth of my country to a new, global audience.

Key dates:

Preview, Gwangju, 31 August 2016

Opening ceremony, Gwangju, 01 September 2016

Forum, Gwangju, 02 September 2016

Social media: http://www.gwangjubiennale.org/www/vieweng/, https://www.facebook.com/GwangjuBiennale, https://twitter.com/gwangjubiennale

Australia-Korea Foundation grant offer: $17,050.00

Total project value: $43,060.00