Presence

Presence is about relationships between people and place, cultural and emotional ties to the land, and stories of struggle and triumph. 

Presence reflects Indigenous Australia’s determination to stay strong through tradition and by forging contemporary identities.

Presence explores the historic, and the here and now.  Preservation of important cultural knowledge and identity is reflected through the use of art to communicate, critique and comment on issues of social and personal significance.

Works by non-Indigenous artists create a confronting dialogue about occupation and oppression, at the same time highlighting a shared appreciation of the landscape and natural environment. Presence reveals a diversity of historical and contemporary Indigenous art that acknowledges influential communities and artists.

Julie Dowling

Yagan

2006

acrylic and red ochre on canvas

State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia

Purchased through the Leah Jane Cohen Bequest, 2007

Audio Podcasts

The Art Gallery of Western Australia proudly presents a series of podcasts for your listening enjoyment. Each podcast will showcase works in a fascinating audio presentation of the permanent State Art Collection. We invite you to sit back and listen or download the audio files and take a walking tour of the Gallery. Lookout for our podcasts in the iTunes Store.

Last reviewed 24 October 2011