A new touring exhibition by the National Gallery of Australia featuring works by some of the country’s leading artists has begun its two-year tour of the country at Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.
Single Channel has been curated to travel with ease across Australia and reinforces the Gallery’s commitment to making the national collection more accessible to more Australians.
The exhibition presents single-channel video installations which consider the influence of movement in storytelling by First Nations and Australian artists – Tony Albert, Destiny Deacon and Virginia Fraser, Silvana and Gabriella Mangano, Club Até, Shaun Gladwell and Tracey Moffatt.
Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Tina Baum, Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples, explains “The moving image works in Single Channel consider the rhythmic, deliberate or gestural movement of the body to tell stories, to express ideas and to reinforce experience which has occurred in Australia since time immemorial to today,” she said.
“Expression through motion has guided the First Peoples of Australia through to new Australians – who have moved across Country and from their countries of origins – as they connect with Communities, Country and cultures. Whether through theatre or ceremonial action, individual or collective performance, small or grand gestures – movement continues to enable artists to tell their stories,” said Ms Baum.
National Gallery Director Dr Nick Mitzevich said the national collection belongs to all Australians. “With the most comprehensive collection of visual art in the country, the national collection is a vital part of Australia’s cultural heritage,” he said.
“With projects such as Single Channel, we create opportunities across the country for more Australians to engage with the collection, aligning with the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy – Revive,” said Dr Mitzevich.
As moving image works, this touring exhibition is a low-cost and sustainable alternative for sharing the national collection with regional partners.
Presented on a single screen, this touring exhibition has been designed to be displayed in smaller regional galleries and non-traditional gallery settings – allowing the collection to reach locations and audiences otherwise unattainable.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said he was thrilled Geraldton was on the national touring line-up for the exhibition. “Single Channel tells some important historic stories, and we are excited to welcome the exhibition to the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery,” he said.
“With the exhibition touring nationally, we’re pleased that Geraldton will have the opportunity to view such a unique and high-calibre collection,” said Mr Van Styn.
Moving Image production workshops for ages 15 and up will be offered alongside the tour, responding to the themes of the exhibition using smartphone cameras in online sessions over three weeks.
Teachers can access learning resources that are relevant to the curriculum for years 9 and 10 to bring the exhibition into the classroom. Visit the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery website to find out more.
Single Channel is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition supported by the Australian Government through the National Collection Institutions Touring and Outreach Program.
Single Channel will be presented at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery until 24 September, before heading to Ellenbrook Arts from 4 November 2023. Touring dates for 2024 are to be announced. For more information, visit: www.nga.gov.au for details.
Image: Tony Albert, Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji peoples, I am visible (video still), 2019, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf