Bringing together the old and the new, NAIDOC art exhibition opens
Published on 10 July, 2012
The Tent Embassy of 1972 represents one of the most significant movements for Indigenous land rights in Australia.
It displayed the passion and commitment of Indigenous Australians to having their traditional land recognised, and was the basis for the theme of a recent art exhibition launched during 2012 NAIDOC Week.
The Capricornia Arts Mob celebrated the opening of their fine art exhibition recently, entitled 'The Spirit of the Tent Embassy: 40 Years On."
The event saw over 150 people attend, who were treated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers, performers, and numerous artworks.
CQUniversity's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks was also involved in the event, as both a multi-modal artist and a keynote speaker.
"This is an important event in our NAIDOC Week celebrations, and it was an honour to perform, exhibit and also speak" Professor Fredericks said.
The collective has been a key player in the revival of Central Queensland's artistic scene, and the exhibition showcased the works of the region's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers, musicians, artists, sculptors and performers.
"Central Queensland has been somewhat forgotten artistically with the rapid rise of the resource and cattle industries. We have literally heaps of talented sculptors, artists and performers" says Dr Pamela CroftWarcon of Keppel Sands-based Sandhill Art, Co-curator of the exhibition.
"A lot of those artists are Indigenous, and this exhibition gives them the perfect opportunity to showcase their work".
Dr CroftWarcon is an experienced curator, having overseen exhibitions globally in countries such as the United States, Holland, Samoa and the Philippines as well as all around Australia.
She says this exhibition is just as good as any she has run overseas.
"The variety of work is amazing, and really emphasises our theme of bringing together the old ways and the new ways" she says.
Co-curator Kaylene Butler of KIMA Consultants was also excited to launch the exhibition, and has been a keen student of Dr CroftWarcon in putting the exhibition together.
"Dr Pam is a great mentor. I normally exhibit my own work, but this particular exhibition has works from a number of Central Queensland artists. It's really quite exciting to be getting this experience. She has been getting me a lot more into the visual and performing arts to complement my passion for film."
The exhibition is a celebration of Indigenous art, but Kaylene says it's also a vehicle for keeping Indigenous culture alive through sharing.
"We're doing this by exchanging and sharing our identities" says Kaylene.
Local artist Krystal Beazley was one of the artists being showcased during the exhibition, and uses the power of imagery to convey her message.
Krystal runs her own modelling and photography company Applejack Effects, and uses her art to express the power of young people.
"I try to express the power of sharing in my work, and display the connectedness we have between family, culture and land." she says.
"I want to capture the strength and courage of young people in this connection - some of them might not work and may be young parents but young people are resilient, and I want people to realise that when they interact with my art."
The exhibition ran from July 2 - 10 at Rockhampton's Walter Reid Centre.
Artist Krystal Beazley with her photographic pieces 
Saima Torres Strait Islander dancers at the exhibition opening