Weapons for the Soldier

Vincent Namatjira (Iwantja Arts), Anwar Young, (Tjala Arts) and Derek Thompson (Ernabella Arts) are young arts leaders of the APY Lands, who in 2017 developed a bold and meaningful concept for their first major curatorial project. The result was Weapons for the Soldier, a major collaborative exhibition showcasing works by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists that explore the themes of connection to Country, protecting Country, weaponry and warfare. 

Weapons for the Soldier is a title used by senior Anangu artist Ray Ken in his works about this subject, and Vincent, Anwar and Derek used this title with Ray’s support as they embarked on this significant project. To create Weapons for the Soldier, Vincent, Anwar and Derek wanted to connect and work with Anangu and ‘off Country’ artists whose practice has inspired them, in a process where their commitment to cultural protocol is maintained. The project also serves as an important opportunity to pay tribute to modern day Anangu soldiers, the senior artists of the APY Lands: Ray Ken, Mick Wikilyiri, Alec Baker, Kunmanara (Peter) Mungkarai, Kunmanara (Mumu Mike) Williams, Kunmanara (Peppai) Carrol, Keith Stevens and Ginger Wikilyiri, whose work was celebrated in this innovative exhibition.

Weapons for the Soldier is a distinct examination of the themes of weaponry and warfare and aims to provide a unique platform from which to explore diverse perspectives of struggle and survival and deepen our understanding of a shared history. Fighting for Country and deep connection to Country are evocative of both the broader tenets of the ANZAC legacy as well as the distinct position of Indigenous people within Australia who have long fought to maintain cultural strength and pride. 

The exhibition was launched at Hazelhurst Arts Centre in November 2018 before an extensive regional tour throughout Australia from 2019-21.
Weapons for the Soldier was been supported by the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary Arts and Culture Fund, Australia Council for the Arts, Arts SA, the Gordon Darling Foundation and Hazelhurst Arts Centre.

APY Lands Artists: Alec Baker, Eric Barney, Willy Kaika Burton, Pepai Jangala Carroll, Taylor Cooper, Sammy Dodd, Witjiti George, Rupert Jack, Kunmanara (Brenton) Ken, Kunmanara (Ray) Ken, Hector Mitakiki, Junior Mitakiki, Kamarin Mitakiki , Kunmanara (Willy Muntjantji) Martin, Peter Mungkuri, Vincent Namatjira , Kunmanara (Jimmy) Pompey, Keith Stevens, Derek Jungarrayi Thompson, Thomas Ilytjari Tjilya, Bernard Tjalkuri , Ginger Wikilyiri, Mick Wikilyiri, Mumu Mike Williams, Anwar Young, Frank Young, Kamurin Young, Young men of Amata

Invited Artists: Abdul Abdullah, Tony Albert, Brook Andrew, Lionel Bawden, George Gittoes, Shaun Gladwell, Richard Lewe , Uncle Charles ‘Chicka’ Madden and Jonathan Jones , Danie Mellor, Steaphan Paton, Ben Quilty, Reko Rennie, Greg Semu, Alex Seton.