Friday 6th December 2024
Open Monday - Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Tuesday 5 November
Rosalind Noor’s water colour painting,
The Sovereign has been awarded this year’s Australian Muslim Artists Art
Prize. The work emerged in the aftermath of the referendum on an Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament and explores themes of Indigenous
sovereignty and post-coloniality.
Inspired by Farid al-Din
Attar’s poem The Conference of the Birds, The Sovereign is filled
with an abundance of symbolic references for the viewer to unpack. Noor has
skillfully woven Australian flora and fauna together with references to 15th-16th
century Persian and Mughal miniature paintings.
While the work draws on deep traditions
and symbolism, there is also a profoundly personal dimension to the artwork.
After making the work, Noor said: “…I reflected on each of its meanings, and my
own position within the broader picture.”
“I, myself am a beneficiary
of the 20th century assisted passage migration scheme as part of the white
Australia policy. My grandparents used this scheme to migrate to Australia, and
my mother was born here, and I have Australian citizenship through her. Whilst
painting, I wondered whether I was in fact the British Robin, quietly exiting,
or what I needed to do to use the unfair advantage that I’ve received to uplift
others - especially the rightful owners of this land.”
The exhibition showcases 20
works representing a variety of artistic forms, such as painting, photography, textiles,
calligraphy, and mixed media. By uniting a diverse group of artists, it seeks
to honour the vibrant cultures of the Australian Muslim community and promote a
deeper appreciation of the connections between art, faith, and identity.
Islamic Museum of Australia Senior
Curator, Dr Mahmoud Mohammed said the exhibition is a celebration of artistic
expression that transcends boundaries and challenges perceptions.
"We aim to highlight the
incredible talent within the Australian Muslim community through this
exhibition and to foster an inclusive space where individuals from all
backgrounds can connect with art that represents the diversity of our nation,"
Dr Mahmoud said.
La Trobe University Deputy
Vice-Chancellor (Future Growth) Dr Stacey Farraway, who announced Noor as the
winner at the opening night event, said the Australian Muslim Artists Art Prize
was an important part of La Trobe’s partnership with the Museum to promote and
support Islamic culture.
“Art can help foster cultural
understanding and we’re proud to enable a dialogue that supports viewing art as
a lens to gain insights into cultural aesthetics, values and traditions,” Dr
Farraway said.
“The high quality of the many
entrants this year is testament to the quality of the Art Prize and we are
delighted to congratulate Rosalind Noor on her award for her outstanding
artwork The Sovereign.”
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor
Professor Theo Farrell said the Islamic Museum of Australia, celebrating its 10th
anniversary this year, played an important role in interfaith dialogue and
cultural education.
“At a time of increasing
polarisation in our society, institutions like the Islamic Museum of Australia
play an important role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and support,”
Professor Farrell said.
“Equity and diversity are
core to La Trobe and our partnership with the Museum helps us in our mission to
support people from all backgrounds, faiths and walks of life to study with us.”
Shortlisting for Australian Muslim Artists was conducted by
a panel of judges including Dr Stefano Carboni, Adjunct Professor, University
of Western Australia; Dr Karen Annett, Director of La Trobe Art Institute;
community representative Dr Anisa Buckley and Dr Mahmoud Mohammed.
The
Australian Muslim Artists exhibition is on
display from 1 November 2024 – 1 March 2025 at the Museum.
As an
acquisitive prize, the artwork will become part of the La Trobe University Art
Collection. This significant and growing collection of postwar and contemporary
art features works by many of Australia’s most notable artists from the past six
decades.
– Ends –
Media contact (La Trobe University):
Charisse Ede
Senior Media & Comms Manager
La Trobe University
0404 030 698
Media contact (IMA):
Mei Nee Cheong
Media and Marketing Manager
Islamic Museum of Australia
0414 264 987
meinee.cheong@islamicmuseum.org.au
Twitter:
@islamicmuseum
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