Photography: A visual reference for curators and researchers
QAGOMA’s Research Library is home to the documentation behind the Asia Pacific Triennial series of exhibitions, which forms the basis of the archives of the Australian Centre of Asia Pacific Art (ACAPA).
In preparation for the 2016 exhibition ‘No.1 Neighbour: Art in Papua New Guinea 1966–2016’, curator Ruth McDougall delved into 23 years of archival material and searched through the many hundreds of negatives, slides and photographic prints dating back to ‘The 1st Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art’ (APT) in 1993, which fill 12 filing cabinet draws. These images are housed in the Special Collections room within the Gallery’s Research Library and form a major component of the ACAPA (Australian Centre of Asia Pacific Art) Archive.
An invaluable and unique visual reference for curators and researchers, the archive shows artists in their element: installing works, preparing for performances and events, at opening nights and artist parties, or helping Gallery curators to discover new works from across Asia, to be brought back to Australia for future exhibitions. Staging ‘No.1 Neighbour’ gave the Library the opportunity to source imagery relating to Papuan artists who had participated in past APTs.
Anna and Michael Mel preparing for their Ples Name! (Our Place!) performance for the opening weekend of APT2, September 1996 / Photograph: R Fulton / View full image
THE 2ND ASIA PACIFIC TRIENNIAL OF CONTEMPORARY ART (APT2) Ples Namel (Our Place) Preparation and Performance by Michael and Anna Mel. 27-29 September 1996 Digitised slide from QAGOMA Library collection / View full image
Many hidden gems held in these cabinets were uncovered when viewing negatives over a light box, and provide an interesting picture of these artists and their works. They included a photograph of a painting by ‘No.1 Neighbour’ artist Joe Nalo (an inaugural APT participant) as well as a series of slides capturing Michael and Anna Mel preparing for their Ples Name! (Our Place!) performance for the APT2 opening weekend in 1996, images that will also appear in the exhibition. The Mels performed ceremonial dance rituals and displayed the traditional body paintings of the Hagan area in the Western Highland Provinces.
Wendy Choulai Egu Rami 1996 performance of the Roiroipe mourning dance of the Nenehi Clan of PNG Second Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art 1996 (APT2) Exhibition no. 1996.05 QAG 27 September 1996 to 19 January 1997 Scan from QAGOMA Library transparency / View full image
Wendy Choulai Egu Rami 1996 performance of the Roiroipe mourning dance of the Nenehi Clan of PNG Second Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art 1996 (APT2) Exhibition no. 1996.05 QAG 27 September 1996 to 19 January 1997 Scan from QAGOMA Library transparency / View full image
Wendi Choulai’s opening-weekend performance for APT2 blended a traditional ritual with a contemporary, artistic twist in the mourning dance Roiroipe. In it she wears black, the Western colour of mourning, with the Motu-Koita traditional dyed grass skirts. Captured by distinguished photographer Richard Stringer, these photographs reveal a pictorial story of Choulai’s performance and provide alternative views from the event video.
QAGOMA Research Library
The QAGOMA Research Library and The Australian Centre of Asia Pacific Art (ACAPA) is located on Level 3 of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Open to the public Tuesday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm. visit us in person or explore the online catalogue. Access to special collections is available by appointment.
Shannon Robinson is former Librarian, QAGOMA Research Library