The New Republics examined the contemporary art practices of Australia, Canada and South Africa: three countries, all formerly sites of European discovery, which reflected the bitter racial struggles and ongoing contest of colonial authority. Together the artists compiled a faceted vision of three republican tendencies at the turn of the century, although only one of these countries actually enjoyed republic status. Drawing on postmodern concepts and multiple cultural heritages, both indigenous and migrant, the participating artists also raised questions about what might be ethically and aesthetically acceptable in the art-making process.
The exhibition toured to Canberra School of Art (14 July – 30 August), University of SA Art Museum, Adelaide (21 September – 28 October) and Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (8 November – 17 December).
Exhibiting Artists: Rebecca and Kenny Baird, Gordon Bennett, Dominique Blain, Elizabeth Gertsakis, Trevor Gould, Fiona Hall, Moshewaka Langa, Brett Murray, Leila Sujir, Clive van Den Berg, Sue Williamson, Jin-me Yoon
Curators: Edward Ward and Sunil Gupta with Clare Williamson
Publication
The New Republics
In the Press
8 May, The Herald Sun, Can-do approach
10 May, The Age, History? It’s a thing of the past
19 May, The Australian, Visions of a past with no future
