As the Indigenous Arts Development Officer for Arts Northern Rivers, my role is to support Aboriginal artists in the development of their careers. One of my duties in this position is to organise an annual Aboriginal exhibition to help with the development of artists in the region.

A Spiritual Journey
An Exhibition inspired by the music of Archie Roach

Indigenous artists from across the Northern Rivers celebrate the songs of one of Australia's great voices.

Arts Northern Rivers in partnership with the Barratt Gallery in Alstonville is holding a very special exhibition celebrating the music and message of Archie Roach,  one of the most loved and respected musicians in Australia.

The exhibition will open on Sunday November 7 at 4.00pm at the Barratt Gallery in Alstonville. Indigenous artists throughout the region have been asked to respond to an Archie Roach song of their choice one that evokes a poignant and individual message that inspires their creativity.

Robert Appo, Arts Northern Rivers Indigenous Arts Development Officer, conceived the idea at a time when he asked Archie to sit for him as a subject for Robert's 2010 Archibald Prize submission. Robert, himself an artist and Bundjalung man, puts it in his own words, "Listening to Archie`s songs whilst painting his portrait became an emotional and internal exploration for me as I painted. I really began to understand the meanings to the songs and felt a connection to the music. I wasn`t painting a portrait anymore - I was taking a "spiritual journey".

It was from this genesis that the idea of creating an exhibition was born. Within days of placing the call out to the region's artists submissions came pouring in;  clearly Robert has touched on something special and alive in the community. Robert has amassed a wide collection of creative works ranging from paintings, ceramics and sculpture as well as 3D installation pieces. 

All are invited to attend the Opening on November 7th. The exhibition runs until 5 December 2010. The exhibition will be officially opened by Rachael Linwood (Acting) Head of School, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian People, Southern Cross University.

A Spiritual Journey Exhibition
Sunday 7 November 2010
4pm  - 6pm
Barratt Gallery - 5 Budgen Avenue Alstonville, NSW 2477
02 6628 0297