‘I am Visible’ is a powerful statement and artwork by artist Tony Albert. A large-scale animated illuminated artwork set to be displayed in the most visible of ways, projected proudly onto The Calile façade in a statement that draws attention to First Nations people and their representation in the national conversation.
We are honoured that ‘I am Visible’ will light up our Amphitheatre for one night only on Friday 31 January and invite our community to join Tony Albert and Dr Nick Mitzevich, National Gallery of Australia Director, for an evening of intimate conversation under the artwork. Welcome drinks will be provided followed by a cash bar.
‘I am Visible’ showcases First Nations empowerment – working with community, Albert references pop culture and historical art iconography to destabilise stereotypes and provide a message of positivity in the face of adversity.
These themes are recurring in Alberts’s work, expressing a powerful response to the misrepresentation of Australia’s First Peoples and an important factor in Albert being announced as the Artistic Director for the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial. The National Indigenous Art Triennial will bring together commissioned work by established and emerging First Nations artists from across Australia, creating an important platform for art and ideas.
Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji peoples, born 1981, Townsville) is an established contemporary artist with a longstanding interest in the cultural misrepresentation of First Nations people. Drawing on both personal and collective histories, his multidisciplinary practice considers the ways in which optimism might be utilised to overcome adversity. His work poses crucial questions such as how do we remember, give justice to, and rewrite complex and traumatic histories?
Albert is acknowledged industry wide as a valued ambassador for First Nations community and culture. He was recently announced as the inaugural Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain First Nations Curatorial Fellow. He is the first Indigenous Trustee for the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a member of the Art Gallery of New South Wales Indigenous advisory, a board member for the City of Sydney’s Public Art Panel and member of the Art & Place Board at the Queensland Children’s Hospital and in January 2023 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Griffith University for his significant contribution to the arts.
The Calile Hotel is proud to host this event in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia.
