Hosted by broadcaster Namila Benson, join artists Dr Kirsten Lyttle, Christopher Ulutupu and Yuriyal Eric Bridgeman in this engaging discussion exploring ways in which Pacific identity, culture and representation are expressed, challenged and redefined in contemporary art today.
Host | Namila Benson
Namila Benson is an accomplished Tolai PNG/Melanesian TV presenter, broadcaster, writer and educator who works across multiple media and creative platforms. With a career spanning over three decades, she skilfully guides complex conversations on race, culture and diaspora identity – challenging perceptions of ‘otherness’ through a creative lens. Her deep passion for Black Pacific Islander stories within the arts has been a strong focus throughout her extensive career. Namila has presented and produced on multiple ABC Arts tv programs including Art Works, Art Nation and Sunday Arts. She presented and produced The Art Show on Radio National and anchored magazine and music shows on Radio Australia (ABC International). Highly skilled with guiding and facilitating engaging, robust discussions in live studio and public forum and festival settings, Namila also authored the memoir of respected Elder, actor and activist – the late, great Uncle Jack Charles. Uncle’s book, Jack Charles: Born-Again Blakfella was released via Penguin Random House. Most recently, Namila hosted and senior produced national arts program, The Art Of… on ABC TV and iView.
Speaker | Christopher Ulutupu
Christopher Ulutupu is a contemporary artist of Samoan, Niuean and German descent. Born in 1987, he lives in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington. Christopher uses the conventions of cinematic storytelling to interrogate the relationships between landscape and indigenous identities. He employs a cast of actors consisting almost entirely of friends and family to produce vibrant video-based works.
Speaker | Dr Kirsten Lyttle
Dr Kirsten Lyttle is a proud Māori wāhine academic, artist and creative practice-led researcher (Iwi/tribe: Waikato, Waka/Canoe: Tainui, Hapū/Subtribe: Ngāti Tahinga). Her research and arts practice privileges Indigenous-centred methodologies and knowledge systems, Indigenous customary art practices (in particular, Māori weaving) and their application to technologies such as photography and video.
Speaker | Yuriyal Eric Bridgeman
Yuriyal Eric Bridgeman is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Australia and Papua New Guinea. He works in photographic portraiture, video, sculpture, installation, drawing, and painting. Bridgeman’s photographic and new media works examine social commentary and portraiture, while his painting practice is strongly influenced by his connection to men’s practices of his tribe, Yuri Alaiku of the Simbu province of PNG. He is the co-founder of artist collective Haus Yuriyal (Jiwaka, PNG) in which he serves the role as artist and facilitator of the group’s contemporary art projects.
This panel discussion is a part of NGV Pacific Community Day. Come and celebrate the creativity and diversity of Victoria’s Pasifika community with a vibrant day of festivities showcasing Pasifika art, culture and community.