SPIRIT & VISION - Aboriginal Art
Idea + concept: Karlheinz Essl & Michael Eather

Exhibition period: 02.04. – 03.10.2004

With >SPIRIT & VISION – Aboriginal Art<, on view from 2 April – 29 August 2003, the Essl Collection offers further insights into the art of Aboriginal People after the successful 2001 exhibition >DREAMTIME<. Apart from the presentation of traditional Aboriginal Art, the exhibition focuses on new tendencies and new media, the so-called Urban Art.

Richard Bell: It Wasn't Me (2002) acrylic paint on canvas, 89 x 89 cm photo: Graphisches Atelier Neumann, Vienna © Richard Bell		Lucy Loomoo: Yirnangarri (2003) acrylic paint on canvas, 150 x 100 cm photo: Stefan Fiedler-Salon Iris, Vienna © Lucy Loomo courtesy Warlayirti Artists, Balgo

Aboriginal people remain the oldest living culture on the planet. In the last 30 years, perceptions of the art produced by Aboriginal people have been in a state of flux. For many Aboriginal artists, adaptability and change are vital for survival – changing colours, scale and materials, but not changing mind and spirit. Worlds of creation stories inherit the latest vernacular and shape-shift their way into the future.

Maree Puruntatameri: Body Painting (2000)
acrylic paint on canvas, 79 x 149 cm
photo: Stefan Fiedler-Salon Iris, Vienna
© Maree Puruntatameri

>SPIRIT & VISION – Aboriginal Art< presents artwork created in the outback and in urban contexts, the working environment of the Urban Artists. These artists have been more strongly influenced by western art and use a wide range of artistic media, including photography, video, computer animation and installations. Much of the new media work highlights not only contemporary ideas but urban realities as well, providing a form of community voice on the urban situation. 130 works by 92 artists span a wide range of works and artists, different origins and living environments. Young Urban Art is placed in juxtaposition with traditional “old masters” who they draw on the rich heritage of the ancestors. Paintings on canvas and bark, carvings and weaves, photography and video illustrate the wide range of media used by Aboriginal artists today. Most of the artwork on view is part of the Essl Collection’s art holdings, since Karlheinz Essl has again acquired many interesting pieces during his travels through Australia in 2003. In the many conversations the art collector had with local artists, museum directors and curators, the question as to the future of Aboriginal Art and its connection with the international contemporary art scene has been a much-discussed issue. Starting with an introduction into the life and culture of Aboriginal people, the exhibition >SPIRIT & VISION<, the only one of its kind in Europe, is designed to make its own contribution to this topical discussion.

Desert Woman photo: Neal Mc Leod © Courtesy Fire-Works Gallery, Brisbane		Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri photo: Wildlight © Courtesy Fire-Works Gallery, Brisbane

The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive support programme. On the opening weekend (03 April - 04 April 2004), visitors have the opportunity to enjoy guided tours given by the Aboriginal Artists and Karlheinz Essl himself. On both days, workshops for the whole family will be held with the participation of the Aboriginal artists. In the Aboriginal Art Gallery in the museum lobby, visitors can acquire paintings on canvas and bark, carved figures and handmade jewellery during the duration of the exhibition. An exciting educational programme with guided tours and workshops for all age groups, musical events and performances complements the exhibition. The café in the museum will also attune its menu to the exhibition and serve >special Australian offers<.

ULURU
Generative sound environment by Karlheinz Essl jun.

In 2001, a dance and painting performance was given by Aboriginal people at the Essl Collection. Composer Karlheinz Essl used a sound recording of this event and original recordings from the Australian bush as the basis for his sound installation >ULURU<, the title referring to the Aboriginal peoples’ sacred mountain (Ayers Rock). For the exhibition, real-time generated sonic particles will be projected into the Rotunda hall via four loudspeakers. Reflected by the curving wall, they will merge into atmospheric soundscapes that invite visitors to enter into a spiritual world that lies far beyond our European horizon.

Download MP3... Excerpt from ULURU (2.1 MB - 2:15)

A CD of this music can be ordered from the Bookshop of the Essl Collection.

Press information

SPIRIT & VISION - Aboriginal Art Press information as PDF (30.03.2004)

Catalogue

Alongside the exhibition, a comprehensive 268-page catalogue will be published in German and English, containing full-page images. Text contributions by Karlheinz Essl, Michael Eather and Aboriginal Artists. Edition Sammlung Essl Privatstiftung: Klosterneuburg 2004 € 32.00 ISBN: 3-902001-15-1