The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) is hosting the first major survey of Tennant Creek Brio, an artist collective rooted in Warumungu Country, Northern Central Australia.
Fusing First Nations traditions, the industrial remnants of the mining industry, and contemporary art influences, this exhibition reimagines the collective’s cross-cultural identities. The artworks draw upon the trauma of post-colonial histories, the resurgence of cultural practices, and the defiant resilience of a frontier community.
Tennant Creek Brio consists of a diverse group of contemporary artists from both Northern Australia and Melbourne. They first united in 2016, working out of the local men’s centre, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation.
The group’s practice involves salvaging found materials like oil barrels and car bonnets, transforming these remnants of industrial decline into powerful symbols of cultural reclamation.
The exhibition, Juparnta Ngattu Minjinypa Iconocrisis, delves into the complex intersections of language, identity, and art, incorporating Warumungu, Warlpiri, and English. It highlights the collective’s bold, rebellious spirit and critiques colonial extraction and capitalism. Through painterly, sculptural, installation, and performance works, the Brio explores the urgency of truth-telling, collaboration, and future-thinking.
Tennant Creek Brio’s practice is a striking blend of cultural reclamation, resistance, and creativity. This exhibition at ACCA emphasises their distinctive style and their pivotal role in addressing social and political complexities in Australia.
Artists
Fabian Brown Japaljarri, Lindsay Nelson Jakamarra, Rupert Betheras, Joseph Williams Jungarayi, Clifford Thompson Japaljarri, Jimmy Frank Jupurrula, Fabian Rankine Jampijinpa, Marcus Camphoo Kemarre, and including Eleanor Jawurlngali Dixon, Lévi McLean, Gary Sullibhaine.
The exhibition is at The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, 111 Sturt Street Southbank until 17 November 2024. Entry is free.
