The Arts

 

Michael’s exhibition at the St James Cavalier Centre in Malta. Michael Connolly’s Maltese journey Issue 68 - 10 Nov 2004 Michael Connolly - Aboriginal artist and didgeridoo performer - was recently invited by the Australian High Commissioner in Malta to perform didgeridoo with the Maltese National Orchestra in Malta for the 40th Anniversary of Independence Day Concert. The concert was held in September at the Grand Palace in Valletta, the capital of Malta, before HRH Princess Anne, the President of Malta, Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Diplomatic Corps and the “gliteratti” of Malta. It was telecast live throughout Europe. The director for the orchestra, Jesmond Grixti, is currently studying music in Melbourne and scored a piece for the concert that included a didgeridoo that created an exotic touch. The High Commissioner, Mr Richard Palk (a Brisbane boy himself) sought advice from the Australian Arts Council, who recommended Michael for the job. The High Commissioner’s wife comes from Roma and instantly associated with Michael, who is from Charleville. The invitation was extended to Michael on the Friday and he was on a flight the following Wednesday. The Australian High Commission, in association with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, also arranged for an exhibition of Michael’s Dreamtime Collection at the St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, where he weaved his Dreamtime spell. Artworks included canvases, didgeridoos, handpainted gumleaves and kangaroo skins. Guests were invited to go on “walkabout” with Michael as he explained the Dreamtime stories depicted in his artworks and demonstrated his skills with the oldest instrument known to man - the didgeridoo. Over 100 people attended this exhibition with quite a number of his artworks remaining to adorn the walls of Maltese households, including those of the High Commissioner himself. During his stay Michael also conducted a cultural workshop at the Verdala International School, explaining the art, the music, the song and dance and the stories of the Aboriginal culture the international and local students. Malta has a strong affiliation with Australia, with many citizens immigrating to Australia back in the 1950s, so it was good that they knew at least where Australia was. They certainly embraced and warmed to the culture that Michael presented. Since Michael’s return to Australia he has received a number of orders and enquiries for his works of art and craft and has certainly increased the awareness for the culture and its canvas. Michael is part of the Murri@H’Art team which is a group of Indigenous Artists who have come together to promote the Aboriginal Culture as presented by Aboriginal people themselves. Murri@H’Art is having their next exhibition on November 27 at the Seaside Artists Gallery in Redcliffe, which will commence with a cultural performance and conclude with the exhibition of Aboriginal art and bush tucker. For further information contact (07) 3880 1320. Printer Friendly Version  Email Story to a Friend Submit Letter to Editor