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Embassy 2013

Artwork Embassy this artwork made of Canvas tent with annex, aluminium frame, rope and projection screen; synthetic polymer paint on board, created in 2013-01-01
Accession No.
2014.325.001-005
Date Created
2013
Gallery location
Not on public display
Department
Indigenous Australian Art
Dimensions A
320 x 500 x 600cm (installed); four boards: 61 x 181cm; 91 x 90.5cm; 90 x 120.5cm; 181 x 120.5cm
Media Category
Installation
Medium
Canvas tent with annex, aluminium frame, rope and projection screen; synthetic polymer paint on board
Place Created
Brisbane Perth
Credit Line
Purchased 2014. Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation

The first Aboriginal Tent Embassy was erected in 1972 on the front lawn at Parliament House in Canberra. It was an occupational protest in response to prime minister William McMahon’s Australia Day announcement that no form of traditional land ownership would be recognised under Australian law. An escalating police response to the protest only encouraged wider participation, with people from across Australia mobilising and making their way to Canberra to show their support.

Bell’s Embassy 2013 is a recreation of the 1974 iteration of the Tent Embassy, which was mounted in support of the Yirrkala petition on land rights presented to the subsequent prime minister, Gough Whitlam. The installation embodies the spirit and energy of the movement and stands as a potent symbol of resistance and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander empowerment.

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© Richard Bell

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Exhibitions featuring this object

Vernon Ah Kee / Kuku Yalanji/Waanyi/Yidinyji/Guugu Yimithirr people / Australia QLD b.1967 / Tall Man (still) (detail) 2010 / Purchased 2012. Queensland Art Gallery / © Vernon Ah Kee

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Images of artworks on this website may be used for research, study and other related exceptions as defined by section 40 of the Copyright Act 1968 (as amended) without applying for specific permission. All other uses of the content of this site (where applicable).  Refer these requests to reproductions. For more information, see copyright and reproductions on the QAGOMA website.