Legendary Aboriginal artist and activist Richard Bell's exhibition 'Embassy' will be showcased at London's Tate Modern's Turbine Hall from May 20th to June 18th, 2023.
The exhibition is a collaborative acquisition by the museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Tate and offers a public space for activism, featuring in-conversation events with the artist on crucial topics.
Highly esteemed, the Gomeroi, Kooma, Jiman and Gurang Gurang man is one of Australia's most prolific contemporary artists, known for his diverse and direct artistic pieces consisting of paintings, performance, digital media and physical installations.
Bell's artistic endeavors are accompanied by his prominent role as an activist and political commentator.
Through the use of clever humor, satire and wordplay, he tackles topics such as representation, identity, dispossession and the interpretation of Aboriginal art in the contexts of a post-colonial society.
Bell's 'Embassy' draws it's inspiration from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, first established in 1972.
Situated outside Canberra's Old Parliament House, the iconic ongoing protest was initiated by a group of young Aboriginal activists - Michael Anderson, Billy Craigie, Bertie Williams and Tony Coorey - with the aim of bringing attention to the government's refusal to recognise land rights and the deplorable living conditions Aboriginal people endured.
Embassy's historic collaboration with Tate was made possible through the International Joint Acquisition Program, a generous corporate $2.75 million gift facilitated by the Qantas Foundation in 2015.
Keith Munro, Director First Nations, Art and Cultures at MCA Australia said: "Richard Bell's Embassy provides an important space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to share their experiences and continued struggle for Aboriginal rights and self-determination in Australia."
"Grounded in the legacy of the original Aboriginal Tent Embassy, this exhibit at Tate Modern continues an ongoing dialogue involving thought-leaders, artists and changemakers."
Suzanne Cotter, Director Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, noted: "The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and Tate International Joint Acquisition Program partnership continues to play a significant role in promoting contemporary Australian art and Australian artists to international audiences."
"Richard Bell is one of Australia's most eloquent artistic voices whose gently humorous and always incisive work speaks profoundly to our contemporary world. We are delighted visitors to Tate Modern can engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on history, art and culture," she said.
Embassy at Tate Modern will host public events where Richard Bell converses with guest speakers and the audience. The opening weekend will include notable speakers such as Euahlayi Elder and activist Ghillar Michael Anderson, Quandamooka artist Megan Cope, Alan Michaelson and Sylvia McAdam.
Collectively, they will address social justice, land rights, sovereignty and coalition building, examining the lasting effects of European invasion and colonialism.
