Robert Fielding
Revealing a complex, intertwined relationship with the spirit of the land, Kinara pulka irnyani palyanu. Tjintungku kampara utinu. [The big moon shone brightly and made. The sun burnt through and brought it out.] showcases Robert Fielding’s diverse practice through photography, print and video. Engaging with site-specific interventions and process-based practices, Fielding merges abandoned objects, natural elements and sacred language – an ongoing dance between artist and the Country upon which he works.
Robert Fielding is a contemporary artist of Pakistani, Afghan, Western Arrente and Yankunytjatjara descent, who lives in Mimili Community on the APY Lands (SA). Robert combines strong cultural roots with contemporary views on the tensions between community life and global concerns. He confidently moves across different mediums forming a meeting point for different narratives to come together and connect with each other. His practice includes new media, painting, and traditional craftsmanship.
Robert’s work is rooted in his personal experience of reclaiming culture as a son of the Stolen Generation. He has spent extended periods of time researching archives across Australia’s major cultural institutions, whilst concurrently learning from his Elders on the APY Lands. This personal history brings a unique and important perspective to his work, which offers a reminder that many cultural practices are stronger than ever today, whilst also noticing traditions worn down or destroyed by white intervention.
Fielding has recently been invited to participate in The National 4, 2023 (AGNSW), and 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial, 2022 (NGA). Fielding’s first international solo exhibition was staged at the Fondation Opale in Switzerland in late 2018 and his work has been shown in exhibitions across Australia and internationally, including the Tarnanthi tour of KulataTjuta (Many Spears) at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes, France, in 2020, in the exhibition (un)learning Australia at Seoul Museum of Art and at Bangkok Biennale Chaos : Calm.
As part of Perth Festival 2024 John Curtin Gallery presented two exhibitions – one from Yankunytjatjara artist Robert Fielding and the other from Walyalup-based artist Susan Flavell. As artists deeply embedded in their practice, their making is physical, connecting to a range of material processes that come from a commitment to the places they live and work.
While using different methods both artists lovingly reclaim detritus to create new forms, establishing harmony between old and new, natural and synthetic. The storytelling process that underpins each artists’ practice evokes cycles of nature and legends of the Divine, calling us to witness their gothic road trip between Earth, Moon and Sun.
Opening: Thu 8 Feb 6pm
Exhibition: Fri 9 Feb – Sun 14 Apr
Supported by: Perth Festival, Wesfarmers Arts, Lotterywest
Mon – Fri 11am – 5pm
Sat & Sun 12 – 4pm (Feb)
Sun 12 – 4pm (Mar & Apr)
