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Tony Albert 

 

Selected links:     

'I need to tell these stories before they’re lost to history, to future generations. Art can be used as a tool for telling these stories, whether they’re good or bad. As an artist I have a deep sense of social responsibility, which has been instilled in me by both my family and the artists who have mentored me along the way'         Tony Albert, Interview in Art and Australia 2015, 'I am important'. Link to interview below. 

A link to the artist's own website including video interviews, articles and reviews and selected works.

This link takes you to one page of information about Tony Albert's work Brothers, created in response to a violent incident in Kings Cross concerning young Indigenous men and the police and media reaction to the event. There is also a link to an image gallery for the works.

Tony Albert's Heroes hit target at indigenous art awards, SMH, August 8th 2014, Andrew Taylor. This article includes an extensive discussion of the artwork We Can be Heroes 2013-14. This work is connected to the series Brothers. 
 

(In)visible: the First Peoples and War is an education kit designed to accompany a major exhibition at Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery. This education kit covers several curriculum areas but you can find a detailed section on Tony Albert starting from page 22.

Tony Albert’s new public sculpture puts Indigenous soldiers at the heart of the ANZAC legend by Rachel Storey. An overview of Alberts's practice with a focus on Thou Didst let Fall, 2015. Also at the bottom of the page a link to a video interview with Tony Albert on racism in sport.

Tony Albert 2014, Telstra's Indigenous Art Award winner Eastside 89.7 FM

This link takes you to three parts of a radio interview with Tony Albert. Each section is distinct and could be used individually with a class or together.

  • In the first interview he speaks generally about his practice, background and choices.

  • In the second interview he discusses the series Optimism and also his velvet installation works for the exhibition Making Change. Finally he discusses Yininmadyemi- Thou Didst Let Fall

  • In the third exhibition the focus is on his 2014 solo show at Sullivan + Strumpf and the work We Can be Heroes

This link takes you to an extensive and recent interview with Tony Albert from Art & Australia. You need to sign in to save it, but if you just want to read it- zoom in! It is worth going to the trouble as this is a significant article that places Albert's works in an historical context. 

Art Gallery of NSW- Artist Talks: Tony Albert, 2015, 5.22mins. The artist discusses his practice and installation work "Projecting Our Future". 

Sullivan+Strumpf, DAS Platforms: Tony Albert discusses his show Brothers 2013, 9.32mins. 

Living Black S2015 Ep3, 27 mins - Yininmadyemi - Thou Didst Let Fall, A confronting memorial for Indigenous diggers, consisting of 7 metre tall bullets, is being unveiled in Sydney’s Hyde Park. Tony Albert says the work is inspired by his grandfather.

QAGOMA TV, 2,34 mins - SORRY, Tony Albert discusses the political events and ideas that inspired the work "Sorry". 

Follow this link for a secondary student resource that explores Tony Albert's art practice and includes questions and activities for investigating key themes before, during and after an exhibition visit. The teacher notes include curriculum links and strategies for in-gallery and classroom learning.

 Framing Questions:

  • Tony Albert often takes inspiration from contemporary political and social events highlighted in the media. Ask students to outline one such event and the way Albert responded to it in his artmaking practice. 

  • Tony Albert's memorial for Indigenous diggers in Hyde Park Sydney called "Yininmadyemi: Thou Didst Let Fall", 2015 is both a site of commemoration and (in the eyes of some) confrontation. Reflect on your own  and others feelings and responses to the work. Investigate the layers of meaning in this work by considering symbolism, materials and cultural understandings.

  • How does the work "SORRY" by Tony Albert use appropriation, pastiche and irony to challenge ideas about race and history? 

  • Research the history of the artist group ProppaNOW and outline its influence on Tony Albert's career. 

 

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