David Jones, artist and poet (1895-1974) begins his PREFACE TO THE ANATHEMATA :

'I have made a heap of all that I could find.' (1) So wrote Nennius, or whoever composed the introductory matter to Historia Brittonum. He speaks of an 'inward wound' which was caused by the fear that certain things dear to him 'should be like smoke dissipated'. Further, he says, 'not trusting my own learning, which is none at all, but partly from writings and monuments of the ancient inhabitants of Britain, partly from the annals of the Romans and the chronicles of the sacred fathers, Isidore, Hieronymous, Prosper, Eusebius and from the histories of the Scots and Saxons although our enemies . . . I have lispingly put together this . . . about past transactions, that [this material] might not be trodden under foot'. (2)

(1) The actual words are coacervavi omne quod inveni, and occur in Prologue 2 to the Historia.
(2) Quoted from the translation of Prologue 1. See The Works of Gildas and Nennius, J.A.Giles, London 1841.


16 June 2018

John Mawurndjul at MCA


John Mawurndjul
I am the old and the new

A comprehensive survey of the artist's work, opening soon at MCA, Sydney.


MCA: Learn the stories of Arnhem Land as we celebrate the opening of John Mawurndjul: I am the old and the new (6 Jul – 23 Sep). Hear from the Kuninjku elder and artist as he discusses kunred (places of cultural significance), stay for a panel discussion on contemporary Aboriginal art practices, join a curatorial tour, and drop into our Family Day for story time, activities and performances.

Curators' Insights | Fri 6 Jul | 12.30–2.30pm | Free
In conversation: John Mawurndjul | Sat 7 Jul | 11am–12.30pm
Panel discussion: Breaking Ground | Sat 7 Jul | 1.30–3pm
Family Day | Sun 8 Jul | 10.30am–4pm | Free

John Mawurndjul, Mandjabu at Mumeka, 2003-03a 
Ochre pigments with PVA fixative on bark. 
Museum of Contemporary Art and Maningrida Arts and Culture, purchased 2003.

Theatre of the Actors of Regard  

 detail
 A Person Looks At A Work Of Art/
 someone looks at something... 
         
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