Yasufumi Nakamori, the director of the Asia Society Museum in New York, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking exhibition that will showcase the rich history of Aboriginal Australian bark painting. The exhibition, titled “Maḏayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Painting from Yirrkala,” will feature works from some of the world’s foremost collections of these unique paintings, including thirty-three new pieces commissioned specifically for this show. Curated by the Yolŋu people of northeastern Arnhem Land, Australia, known for their sacred designs that connect individuals and clans with land and the cosmos, this exhibition marks a new direction for the Asia Society, focusing more attention on Indigenous cultures in the region.
Nakamori explains the significance of this exhibition for the Asia Society, stating that Indigenous arts and culture in Asia and the Pacific have always been an essential part of the museum’s mission. This exhibition continues a tradition that began with the 1988 show “Dreamings: The Art of Aboriginal Australia” and the 2002 exhibition “The Native Born,” which featured Australian Aboriginal artists from Arnhem Land. By introducing the artistic practice of the Yolŋu people to a New York City audience, the exhibition aims to foster dialogue and understanding between different Indigenous communities.
The growing interest in Indigenous practices and knowledge in the contemporary art world is a central theme in the exhibition. Nakamori notes that as the art world grapples with issues like climate change and environmental destruction, Indigenous art offers a unique perspective rooted in deep connections to the environment. The exhibition aims to showcase Indigenous art as parallel to other movements in modern and contemporary art history, highlighting the profound understanding of the natural world that Indigenous artists possess.
In positioning the exhibition within the current moment of reevaluation, Nakamori emphasizes the collective significance of the Yirrkala artistic community. Led by Yolŋu knowledge holders, the exhibition showcases the artistic achievements of Yolŋu artists and offers a rare opportunity for audiences to experience an enduring artistic movement. This exhibition marks the beginning of a multi-year project on Indigenous Asian arts and culture for the Asia Society.
Securing the quality and relevance of the works included in the exhibition was a collaborative effort with partners like the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection and the Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre in Australia. All works were selected by the Yolŋu people themselves, ensuring authenticity and cultural significance.
For Nakamori, Indigenous practices and knowledge in the Asia region hold immense importance and offer opportunities for learning and expanding our understanding of art and culture. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in Japan, he highlights the significance of Indigenous cultures in the context of visual art.
Organizing an exhibition featuring works from Australia in New York presented logistical challenges, but thanks to the efforts of partners like the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection and the Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, the process has been relatively smooth. The exhibition is set to open on September 17 at the Asia Society Museum in New York City and will run through January 5, 2025.
In conclusion, Yasufumi Nakamori’s leadership in bringing the “Maḏayin” exhibition to the Asia Society Museum highlights the importance of Indigenous art and culture in the contemporary art world. By showcasing the artistic achievements of the Yolŋu people, this exhibition opens up new avenues for dialogue and understanding between different Indigenous communities and broader audiences.