OPENING THUR 8TH AUGUST | 6.30PM

An Exhibition by

BRIAN MCKINNON (TABULK) 

Amungu / Wongai

August 8 – 25 | 2013

Brian McKinnon was born in a fringe camp on the outskirts of Geraldton, Western Australia. In his early years, he lived a nomadic life, travelling up and down the west coast of Australia. His mother, one of the Stolen Generations, comes from the Amungu people of the mid-west coast. His father, from whom he takes his beliefs and customs, comes from the Wongai people of the Western Desert. From 1996-1998, McKinnon traveled, painted and exhibited in Northern Italy. He signs his paintings ‘Tabulk’ – a name adopted out of respect for his great-great-great grandmother, Tulbak, who was one of the very last of the Swan River clan in Perth, Western Australia.

Utilising a range of media, McKinnon’s art practice is informed and inspired by his memories of childhood, as well as historical and contemporary politics and events.

From his early childhood spent in the fringe camp Blood Alley near Geraldton, through to the continuing fight for the recognition of Indigenous rights, McKinnon’s work presents an uncompromising and powerful message of Indigenous determination and strength.

“This exhibition is an indication of my commitment to the continuing acts of resistance emanating from the margins of society. Recognition of the peoples launching opposition to the government policies, ill-informed proponents of these policies, and politicians and media representatives who spew forth opinions before their brains kick in”.