MAMA acquires major work by Michael Riley
Michael Riley’s ground breaking photography and visionary films have made a significant impact on Australian art.
‘The acquisition of Flyblown is an important addition to our permanent collection, made possible by the generosity of private supporters. Importantly, the gift supporting this acquisition includes funding for touring infrastructure and the commission of a new essay by celebrated curator and writer, Djon Mundine. This will allow us to share this work with galleries and communities across Australia.’ said MAMA Director Bree Pickering.
‘We feel honoured to have been entrusted with this significant Australian work, and are excited to be sharing the work with our community so soon after it has arrived in our collection’, Pickering continues.
Flyblown was exhibited at MAMA from 10 May – 8 July, together with one of Riley’s ground breaking documentary films, Empire.
‘Flyblown is as relevant and important now as it was in 1998, when it was first shown. It is a powerful vision of the Australian landscape and the impacts of colonisation upon it and its first peoples. In selecting to show the work alongside one of Riley’s documentary films, Empire, we really wanted to celebrate the depth of Riley’s artistic output and the cultural significance of his voice.’
The acquisition was made possible by the generosity of three supporters: the Michael Riley Foundation, The Commercial, and the Russell Mills Foundation.
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