Media Release on 22 June 2007

Gelam Nguzu Kazi – Dugong My Son
Indigenous Australian art from the western Torres Strait

HANOI, 22 June 2007 – “Gelam Nguzu Kazi—Dugong My Son” - an exhibition of limited edition linocuts by Indigenous Australian Artists from Mua Island in the Torres Strait, will show from 28 June to 7 July at the Viet Art Centre, 42 Yet Kieu, Hanoi.

The exhibition is organised by the Australian Embassy in Hanoi, under its official cultural program, to showcase 33 artworks by four Indigenous Australian artists: David Bosun, Billy Missi, Victor Motlop and Dennis Nona.

A striking collection of artistic works from the Kubin community of Mua Island, located in the Torres Strait north of Australia’s mainland, Gelam Nguzu Kazi—Dugong My Son will be exhibited in Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, as part of a broader tour through the Asia region under The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program’. Drawing on ancient traditions of carving and presented in a contemporary form, the Gelam Nguzu Kazi artists have pioneered a unique style of Torres Strait art to tell their histories and stories. Gelam is an important body of work through which the artists explore their social and physical environment, reclaiming and reaffirming their culture for future generations.

The Australian Government values and supports the unique contribution Indigenous artists make to the diverse nature of Australian culture. The Gelam Nguzu Kazi exhibition will increase international understanding of the diversity of Indigenous Australia and in particular the unique traditions of the western Torres Strait.

“This exhibition coincides with the 50th Anniversary of NAIDOC week (National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Commemoration) – when all Australians celebrate the cultures, histories, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples”, said H.E. Mr Bill Tweddell, the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, “and I trust Vietnamese audiences will enjoy the vibrancy, richness and depth of the unique works shown in the Embassy’s latest exhibition Gelam Nguzu Kazi – Dugong My Son”.

The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge from from 28 June to 7 July 2007 - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - at Viet Art Centre, 42 Yet Kieu Street, Hanoi.

For further information about the exhibition please see the link http://www.dfat.gov.au/divs/iab/gelam/index.html or contact:
Ms Nguyen Thi Thanh An Tel: 8317755 Ext. 302
Email: [email protected]