Gordon Hookey: A MURRIALITY is the first survey of renowned Waanyi artist Gordon Hookey, charting three decades of practice where artmaking and activism fuse. Drawn from public collections as well as the artist’s own studio archive, this exhibition features over fifteen key works, presented alongside a major new commission of eight protest-style banners. 

Charting his practice from the early 1990s until the present day, A MURRIALITY reveals an artist reckoning with the legacies of capital and empire. With biting wit and candour, Gordon’s work addresses issues including land rights, environmental destruction, institutional violence, human rights abuses, systemic racism, police corruption and international conflict. 

Across large-scale painting, sculpture, video, print making and even a children’s book, Gordon reconstructs world histories and current affairs through the lens of his lived experience. In his trademark visual language, anthropomorphic kangaroos play out fantastical allegories, claiming victory over introduced species such as cane toads, camels, and, of course, pigs.  

Superimposed over these frenetic tableaus is slang, text and political jargon that the artist has deliberately misspelt, disassembled and bastardised. For Gordy, whose mother tongue was taken from him in the process of colonisation, exploiting English vernacular is an act of Indigenisation and resistance.  

In addition to previous works, A MURRIALITY features a significant commission that draws inspiration from Hookey’s vast collection of political posters and continues his acclaimed series of protest banners. Made for use in the public realm at Invasion Day marches and rallies recognising Aboriginal resistance fighter Dundalli, Hookey’s banners provide timely socio-political commentary while also imagining a truly empowered Indigenous future. 

Please note: This exhibition contains adult content including strong language and graphic imagery.

Co-commissioned by the Institute of Modern Art and UNSW Galleries
Curators: José Da Silva and Liz Nowell
Curatorial Research Assistant: Jax Compton 

Developed in partnership by UNSW Galleries and the Institute of Modern Art, the national tour is supported by the Visions of Australia, Australia Council for the Arts, Gordon Darling Foundation, IMA Commissioners Circle, and UNSW Commissioners Circle.