KARRATHA ART EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTH OF THE INDIGENOUS PASTORAL WORKERS FOR NAIDOC WEEK.
Image 1: Tobias Titz Photogprahy Image 2: Nyaparu (William) Gardiner painting Jamu (Grandfather)
Lasting Legacy: 75th Anniversary of the Pilbara Strike is a collection of artwork highlighting the strength of the Indigenous pastoral workers who left stations across the Pilbara asking for the payment of fair wages and working conditions. The Red Earth Arts Precinct will be home to a collection of artwork from artists Nyaparu (William) Gairdner and photographer Tobias Titz from 8 July to 28 August 2021.
One of the Pilbara’s longest strikes, lasting over three years, the story will now be told through the bright portrait paintings of the late Nyaparu William Gardiner and contemporary photographer Tobias Titz, who shoots monochromatic portraits accompanied by personal quotes about the strike from Indigenous people across the Pilbara.
Tobias Titz is one of the artists who will be exhibited. Source: Caro MacDonald
The polaroid project was started by Mr Titz while living in Germany in 1998 as a personal project. The message from the person being photographed is what moved him as an artist.
“Normally when you get your photograph taken, you are not actively involved in the image-making process.
“So I decided that people can make a comment or etch something.
“I’m really happy to be in the same exhibition as Nyaparu Gardiner… I really liked him”.
Mr Titz said that this exhibition is important because a lot of people don’t know about it.
“They speak of the strength and determination of the strike… I think it’s a testament to the resistance,
“I think it’s important to look into the history and see how far we’ve come”.
Black Iris curator of the exhibition Mollie Hewett said that although the event was significant there are not many artists making work about the strike.
“These two artists have made very significant works”.
Black Iris communications expert Rania Ghandour said that the strike show’s the strike is an example of how people can organise for better conditions in the face of what seems to be an impossible task.
“If you have right on your side you should not give up”.
EXHIBITION VENUE: Red Earth Arts Precinct
EXHIBITION DATES: 08 July – 28 August 2021