“DjonÌýMundine is aÌýBandjalungÌýman.ÌýHe is a foundational figure in Australian art. He is an intellectual, an activist, and a culturalÌýleader. HeÌýis a fierce advocate and a driving force, consistently contributing to the development and exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art in Australia, and internationally.â€�
So began theÌýAustralia Council for the Arts awards nightÌýoration honouring Djon's work with a ,ÌýonÌý27 May 2020.ÌýMany of the Chau Chak Wing Museum team have known and worked with Djon over the years. Most recently Djon has worked closely with Matt Poll and Rebecca Conway as one of the curatorial collaborators on the forthcoming major exhibitionÌýGululu dhuwala djalkiri: welcome to the YolÅ‹u foundations, one of 18 exhibitions on show when the Chau Chak Wing Museum opens in November.Ìý
Djon Mundine and Philip Gudthaykudthay discuss Philip's artwork in the University collections, Bula'bula Arts, Ramingining, Arnhem Land, NT.ÌýPhoto: R Conway, 2017.
Between 1979 and 1995 Djon was Art Advisor at Milingimbi and Ramingining in the Northern Territory and it was through Djon that the ±¬ÁÏÍõ was able to acquire a significant number of artworks by Indigenous artists over this period.
Djon’s engaged, activist and socially responsible practice has enriched the lives of so many Australians, as he continues to champion the exhibition and development of Aboriginal art in Australia and internationally.
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Featured images (top of page): Djon Mundine (centre) at Bula'bula Arts with Tolbert Dharramanba (far left), Bobby Bunnunggurr (far right), and Macleay curators, Rebecca Conway and Matt Poll.ÌýRamingining, Arnhem Land, NT.Ìý
Photo: R Conway, 2017ÌýÌý Ìý