Land Abounds
Regional Arts WA
Artist Abdul Rahman Abdullah travelled to Bowral New South Wales for the installation and opening of his collaborative exhibition Land Abounds with brother Abdul Abdullah and First Nations artist Tracey Moffatt. Challenging ideas of inherent structural power in a colonised landscape, Land Abounds explored mythologised perceptions of ‘the land’ as a belligerent reflection of Australian identity.
“The opening was attended by a mix of local audiences from the Southern Highlands Region and art audiences from Sydney, a 90 minute drive away… I was very gratified to see so many people travel for the opening. There were many high profile members of the arts community including Wendy Whiteley, Lisa Reihana, Djion Mundine and John Safran, as well as curators, collectors and art patrons. We’ve had an incredibly positive response and more media attention than I’ve ever received.”
Image: Install image, Abdul-Rahman Abdullah & Abdul Abdullah. Photo by Zan Wimberley.
Image: Abdul Abdullah, Tracey Moffatt and Abdul-Rahman Abdullah at the opening of Land Abounds. Photo by Zan Wimberley.
Project Name: Land Abounds
Funding Recipient: Abdul-Rahman Abdullah
Amount Approved: $3,000
Funding Program: Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grant
Region: Peel
Immediate need: The Quick Response Grant assisted with travel costs, which given the timeframe, could not be sought through any other funding programs. It allowed Abdul-Rahman the opportunity to oversee installation of his work, attend the opening events and deliver an in-person artist talk. Following two years of cancellations, restrictions, and limited travel, the grant allowed him to reconnect with industry peers, build his profile and share his practice with new audiences in regional New South Wales.
