Making Change

'Making Change' is an exhibition of innovative, change-making film and photo-based art by some of Australia’s foremost contemporary artists. The exhibition marks the 40th anniversary of relations between Australia and China.

In 1973 Gough Whitlam became the first Australian Prime Minister to visit China. The visit established a trade agreement between the two countries, heralding a new era of successful economic and cultural ties between the two countries that has now spanned four decades. Whitlam was a key change-maker in many aspects of Australia’s development.

He recognised 40 years ago that in order to transform itself into a modern world leader, Australia needed to engage both with its immediate geographic region, Asia, and its original inhabitants, the Aboriginal people. These key aspects of his legacy that helped change forever the social and cultural fabric of Australia, are inherent to 'Making Change'.

The exhibition surveys recent work by artists who are change-makers in their perception and portrayal of modern Australia. Moving away from the historical Anglo-Celtic representation within Australian art, these artists are redefining the cultural identity of the nation to reflect a more multiculturally diverse and outward-looking society.
 

Artists
Vernon Ah Kee
Tony Albert
Brook Andrew
Richard Bell
Gordon Bennett
Mervyn Bishop
Daniel Boyd
Bindi Cole Chocka
Brenda L. Croft
Nici Cumpston
Destiny Deacon
Fiona Foley
Genevieve Grieves
Gordon Hookey
Dianne Jones
Gary Lee
Ricky Maynard
Tracey Moffatt
r e a
Michael Riley
Christian Thompson
Warwick Thornton
Judy Watson
Jason Wing
 

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'Making Change' is produced and presented by UNSW Art & Design, Australian Centre for Photography, and the National Art Museum of China.

 

Bindi Cole Chocka, AbBlaster 40,000 2010. Installation view, 'Making Change', UNSW Galleries, 2013. Photograph: Britta Campion

 

Installation view, 'Making Change', UNSW Galleries, 2013. Pictured: Personalities – Mr Gough Whitlam's trip to China 1973, National Archives of Australia; and Ricky Maynard, Wik Elder, Arthur 2000. Photograph: Britta Campion

 

Christian Thompson, Heat 2010. Installation view, 'Making Change', UNSW Galleries, 2013. Photograph: Britta Campion

 

Vernon Ah Kee, Can't Chant (Wegrewhere) 2007-09. Installation view, 'Making Change', UNSW Galleries, 2013. Photograph: Britta Campion

 

Richard Bell, Ministry Kids 2002. Installation view, 'Making Change', UNSW Galleries, 2013. Photograph: Britta Campion