Project Description
From 21 November 2024 – 15 March 2025, the exhibition ‘Yuriyal Bridgeman: yubilong(mi)bilongyu’ was held at Griffith University Art Museum (GUAM).
Bridgeman’s work is deeply anchored in the traditional cultural practices of his Papua New Guinean community while also bringing incisive perspectives to the context of contemporary art. His practice encompasses photography, video, painting, sculpture and installation. His photographic and video works are positioned in portraiture and social commentary, often featuring loved ones and members of his community. His painting and sculpture practice, developed during his time in PNG, draws deeply from the traditions of the Yuri Alaiku men’s practices in the Simbu Province.
This exhibition and accompanying monograph were co-curated and co-edited by Angela Goddard, Director of Griffith University Art Museum and respected Bougainville Elder and art curator Aunty Sana Balai. The publication includes texts from: Yuriyal Bridgeman, Sana Balai, Veronica Gikope, Angela Goddard, Pat Hoffie, Joe Kuman, Ruth McDougall, Michael Mel, Archie Moore, Khaled Sabsabi, Aaron Seeto, John von Sturmer and Bomai Witne.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
GUAM is open to all members of the public who are invited to view and learn from every exhibition during GUAMs regular opening hours. School tours and tours for QCAD students were held and a free public opening celebration was held at GUAM on Sunday 1 December 2024, with music by ∑GG√ein and catering by Lambinades.
Outcomes to Date
Over 2000 local, state, national and international visitors attended ‘Yuriyal Bridgeman: yubilong(mi)bilongyu’ at Griffith University Art Museum.
Project Significance
All of GUAM’s exhibitions are free, accessible, open to the public and contribute to SDG 4 ‘Quality Education’ and SDG 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ particularly 11.2.3 ‘Public access to museums’.
For ‘Yuriyal Bridgeman: yubilong(mi)bilongyu’ we particularly aimed to upskill our casual staff and volunteers through new opportunities, including utilising Griffith University’s fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles to transport all artworks.
Through the new publication, we are also recording and preserving cultural heritage.