3 June 2004

Bull by Rod Moss

A celebrated local artist and Charles Darwin University lecturer has been invited to exhibit at an unprecedented landmark national survey of work at the edge of current artistic practice.

Rod Moss will showcase his painting Reconciliation Walk Over the Todd River as The Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria join forces for the first time for 2004 Australian Culture Now.

Opening on 8 June at The Ian Potter Centre at the National Gallery of Victoria, this exhibition is unmatched in its scale and spanning the breadth of visual culture. 2004 includes the latest film, video, television, painting, networked media, sculpture, installation, photography, craft, design and fashion. This major exhibition will showcase new work by more than 130 leading and emerging Australian artists.

The two metre long painting is allegorical, showing a crowd of non-indigenous protesters and supporters for reconciliation walking across the Todd River towards Alice Springs.

Walk by Rodd Moss

“I have myself and an indigenous figure, seen from the rear, mirroring each other's gesture of offered friendship,” explained Mr Moss. “'Can we walk in the same direction?’ (in Arrernte, the local language) posits the signage of one of the group.”

From 22 June, Mr Moss’ work will also be exhibited at the Arc One Gallery in Flinders Lane, Melbourne. This is Not A Bull shows some cowboys in an art gallery, pondering the realism in the painting of a bull. On either flank there are paintings by indigenous artists.

“It's about styles of representation, and about framing reality,” Mr Moss said.

“It is quite an exciting time exhibiting with some of Australia's great contemporary artists. I'll be able to bring back some different styles and ideas which will enhance the work I'm doing at the University.

“To have work exposed in major venues in art-wise Melbourne really puts the quality of NT art and culture in a very promising light.”

2004 Australian Culture Now will be available for public viewing from 8 June to 1 August 2004 and at Arc One Gallery from 22 June to late July.