Christian Thompson: Ritual Intimacy

Overview

Christian Thompson is one of the most celebrated contemporary Indigenous artists working today, and Ritual Intimacy represents the first major survey of the artist's extensive and diverse works. Through photography, video, sculpture, performance and sound, he explores notions of identity, race and history, often placing these themes against the backdrop of the Australian environment. Thompson's prodigious talents were recognised from an early age with his early career spent at the side of world-renowned artist Marina Abramovic, who became his mentor. Later, Thompson was accepted into Oxford University, making him one of the first Indigenous Australians to study at the institution in its 900-year history.

Taking place at the Griffith University Art Gallery, Ritual Intimacy features a new major commission first unveiled at the exhibition's Melbourne run, while also highlighting Thompson's continued exploration of musical works centred around Indigenous language. The showcase will be on display until September 23.

Image: Christian Thompson: Ritual Intimacy installation at Monash University Museum of Art, shot by Andrew Curtis.