Robert Fielding (artist) facts for kids
Robert Fielding (born in 1969) is an Australian artist. He lives in Mimili, South Australia. He is well-known for his unique photographs of old, broken cars and other discarded items. He paints colourful designs on these objects, making them into new art.
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Early Life and Background
Robert Fielding was born in Port Lincoln, South Australia, in 1969. His mother, Grieve Fielding, has family roots from early Afghan cameleers in Australia and the Western Arrernte people. His father, Bruce Fielding, was a Yankunytjatjara man. As a child, his father was sadly taken from his home. This was part of a sad time in history known as the Stolen Generations. He was taken to a place called Colebrook Home in Quorn, South Australia. Robert was one of 12 children in his family.
Robert Fielding's Art Career
Fielding creates art using many different methods. These include installations, photography, painting, film, and sculpture. He works from Mimili Maku Arts. He has also learned skills in writing, curating (which means organizing art shows), and setting up exhibitions.
Research and Cultural Work
Robert has done important research in museums across Australia. This was part of a special program by the Australia Council for the Arts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the APY Lands were closed, Fielding led a research project. He worked with the South Australian Museum. This project focused on how older and younger generations can learn from each other. It also looked at keeping culture strong.
Famous Artworks and Exhibitions
Fielding has taken many photographs of old, abandoned things from modern life. These include wrecked cars. He decorates them with Aboriginal art patterns. His art often refers to his community. One famous artwork is an installation called Holden On. It was shown at the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial.
He also created a series of photographs called Mayatjara. These photos show traditional owners, respected leaders, and elders. They also feature advocates and artists from the APY Lands. This series was shown at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale in 2021. It was later bought by the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra in August 2022.
In 2023, a video artwork by Fielding was shown at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It was called Milpatjunanyi. This word describes a way of telling stories by marking the earth with a stick or bone. It is used to share ancient stories called Tjukurpa. It also means using art to share everyday experiences and local stories.
Awards and Achievements
Robert Fielding has won many important awards for his art:
- 2015: Winner, NATSIAA Telstra Work on Paper Award
- 2015: Winner, Desart Photography Prize
- 2017: Finalist, Macquarie Group Foundation First Nations Emerging Curator Award. This allowed him to visit Canada for an exchange.
- 2017: Winner, NATSIAA Telstra Work on Paper Award
- 2019: Winner, Banyule Award for Work on Paper
- 2024: Finalist, Archibald Prize
- 2024: Finalist, Hadley's Art Prize
- 2024: Winner, Bowness Photography Prize
- 2024: Finalist, National Photographic Portrait Prize
Personal Life
Robert Fielding has eight children with his partner. One of his children is the musician and artist Zaachariaha Fielding. Zaachariaha is part of the electronic music duo Electric Fields.
As of August 2022, Robert lives in the Mimili Community. This community is located in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY Lands).
In Film and Documentaries
Voice From The Desert
Fielding was interviewed in a 2018 documentary called "Voice From The Desert". This film was shown on SBS and NITV. It was part of the Our Stories series. The documentary also featured his son's music duo, Electric Fields.
Electric Mimili
The 2019 short film "Electric Mimili" was part of the Deadly Family Portrait series. It was shown on ABC Television and iview. This film was directed by Isaac Cohen Lindsay. It focused on Robert Fielding and his son Zaachariaha's family life in Mimili. It explored how their home influenced both father and son.
Art Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions
- 2018: A Lightness of Spirit is the Measure of Happiness, at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Melbourne. This show featured 10 new artworks by Aboriginal artists from south-east Australia. Robert Fielding's work was included alongside artists like Vincent Namatjira and Kaylene Whiskey.
- 2020: Tarnanthi tour of KulataTjuta (Many Spears) at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes, France.
- December 2021 – March 2022: (un)learning Australia at Seoul Museum of Art. This exhibition was co-organized with Artspace in Sydney.
- 2022: Ceremony: National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery of Australia.
Solo Exhibitions
- 2018: Graveyards in Between, blackartprojects, Melbourne.
- 2018: His first international solo exhibition was held at the Fondation Opale in Switzerland.
- 2020: Routes / Roots, Linden New Art, Melbourne.
- 2021: Manta, blackartprojects, Melbourne.
Art Collections
Robert Fielding's artworks are kept in many important art collections. These include:
