John von Sturmer
Sunday, 06 June 2010 19:57
A long and distinguished career in Aboriginal studies and since 1994, a freelance writer-critic-artist-research consultant.
Early proponent of structuralist theory in the Australian academic scene. Widely published in the areas of Aboriginal studies, structuralist theory, art criticism. Has made a number of ethnographic films (Lockhard Festival).
A central participant in many key events and issues including uranium mining in Western Arnhem Land (Director of the Project to Monitor the Social Impact of Uranium Mining on the Aborigines of the Northern Territory, 1978-1984, and principal author, Consolidated Report: Aborigines and Uranium 1984: AIAS), the Aboriginal Customary Law Reference, and the Wik Native Title Claim. Foundation member of the Wik Native Title Team, and research director/senior adviser to the agreement implementation committee. From 1998-2002, Principal Advisor and Research Director to the AIC and the First Nations Joint Company, advancing Aboriginal interests in the PNG-Gladstone gas pipeline proposal (1998-2002). A long involvement in Aboriginal art and performance.
Teaching and/or research positions in the universities of New England, Queensland, New South Wales & Charles Darwin, and at the Australian Institute for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies.
Solo art shows: Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre 1999, Mori Gallery 2004; various group shows.
Recent art pieces (installations): No Sea, No Shore, in Replacements: other drawing, reveries of the everyday (April-May 2009), Tin Sheds Gallery, University of Sydney; Unfinished Business: AUST/RA/LIA (2), in The Good the Bad the Muddy, Ceramics Triennale, Mori Gallery, Sydney (July 2009); Too Many, Too Few, Not Enough (with Albertina Viegas) Mori Gallery, Sydney (July-Aug 2009); SATANIC/SS(T)I(T)ANIC: METHINKS WE SEE ... & ALL HALE THE WHALE BOAT with Daniel Wallace, in Performance Night at Pearl Beach, Community Hall (28 August 2009); Unfinished Business #2, in Interventions – experiments between art & ethnography, in conjunction with the Australian Anthropological Society's Annual Conference, Macquarie University Art Gallery, Sydney (December 2009-February 2010).
Performing at: Festival Opening Party
- Sat 3rd July
- Mofo Gallery, 70 McLeod St
- Doors 6.00pm, Show from 7.00pm
- Tickets: $10 / 7 at the door
- Sat 10th July
- Old Hrvatski Klub Artspace, 240 Scott St
- Doors 6.00pm, Show 7.00pm
- Check web for full program/times.
- Tickets: $10/ 7 at the door.