OCCURRENT AFFAIR is a major exhibition featuring new and recent works by Brisbane-established Aboriginal artist collective, proppaNOW.
Established in 2003, proppaNOW is one of Australia’s leading cultural collectives, exploring the politics of Aboriginal art and culture, and provoking, subverting and re-thinking what it means to be a ‘contemporary Aboriginal artist’.
Conceived as a collaborative activist gesture, OCCURRENT AFFAIR will address current socio-political, economic and environmental issues, while celebrating the strength, resilience and continuity of Aboriginal culture.
Engaging wordplay through its title, OCCURRENT AFFAIR references the sensational journalistic style of some television current affair programs. OCCURRENT AFFAIR embraces the slippage between language and its associated readings to probe and present new narratives. The exhibition will reflect on the ongoing state of affairs affecting Aboriginal communities—issues that are relevant to all Australians.
Artists
Vernon Ah Kee, Tony Albert, Richard Bell, Megan Cope, Jennifer Herd, Gordon Hookey and Laurie Nilsen.
First Nations visitors to this site are advised that the following may contain images, names, and voices of people who have deceased. Permission has been granted from the family for all images and artwork to be shown here and in the exhibition.
Opening event
2–5pm, Saturday 24 February 2024
The program includes a Welcome to Country, Richard Bell, Vernon Ah Kee and Gordon Hookey in conversation with Aunty Helena Gulash, activation of Richard Bell’s Embassy, exhibition viewing and delicious food and drink. All welcome.
Protest and resistance
11am, Saturday 20 April 2024
Using the Brisbane Commonwealth Games land rights protests of 1982 and Richard Bell's painting 'Kessel Road Protest' 2022 as a starting point, Helena Gulash, Les Malezer and Bob Weatherall will discuss the history, legacy and future of collective protest and resistance.
Closing event
11–1pm, Saturday 4 May 2024
Join local laundros Libby Harward (Quandamooka) and Dom Chen (Gamilaroi) for a Blak Laundry takeover of Richard Bell’s Embassy. All welcome.
Education resource
The activities in this resource aim to be used flexibly by all ages and abilities but are particularly aimed towards high school students and adult learners. They may be undertaken before, during or after an exhibition visit. While these activities have been written with secondary students in mind, teachers are encouraged to adapt these learning activities to suit their context and their students. We also encourage community groups and gallery staff to use the information and activities in this resource to aid the visitor experience.