Robert Fielding (artist) facts for kids
Robert Fielding, born in 1969, is an Australian artist. He lives in Mimili, South Australia. He's famous for his photos of old, broken cars and other discarded items. He paints bright, colourful designs on them.
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Early Life and Background
Robert was born in Port Lincoln, South Australia, in 1969. His mother, Grieve Fielding, has family roots from Afghanistan and the Western Arrernte people. His father, Bruce Fielding, was a Yankunytjatjara man. When his father was a child, he was sadly taken from his home. This was part of a sad time in history called the Stolen Generations. Robert is one of 12 children.
Robert's Art Career
Robert is an artist who works with many different types of art. He creates installations, takes photos, paints, makes films, and sculpts. He works at Mimili Maku Arts. He also knows how to write, choose art for shows (curate), and set up exhibitions.
He has done important research at museums across Australia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a project with the South Australian Museum. This project focused on how older and younger generations can learn from each other and keep their culture strong.
Art with Wrecked Cars
Robert has taken photos of old, abandoned things from modern life, like wrecked cars. He decorates them with Aboriginal art designs and symbols from his community. These photos have been shown in art shows. One famous artwork is called Holden On. It was part of a big art show called the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial.
Mayatjara Photo Series
Robert created a series of photos called Mayatjara. These photos show traditional owners, respected leaders, and elders from the APY Lands. They also feature advocates and artists from the area. This series was shown at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale in 2021. The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra bought these photos in 2022.
Milpatjunanyi Video Art
In 2023, Robert's video art called Milpatjunanyi was shown at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The word "Milpatjunanyi" means telling stories by marking the earth with a stick or bone. It's a way to share old stories and also talk about everyday life and knowledge.
Awards and Recognition
Robert Fielding has won many 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
- 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
Family Life
Robert has eight children with his partner. One of his children is Zaachariaha Fielding. Zaachariaha is a musician and artist, famous for being part of the music group Electric Fields.
As of August 2022, Robert lives in the Mimili Community. This community is located in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY Lands).
Robert in Films
Robert has been featured in a few films:
- In 2018, he was interviewed in "Voice From The Desert." This documentary was part of the Our Stories series on SBS and NITV. It also featured his son's music group, Electric Fields.
- The 2019 short film "Electric Mimili" was shown on ABC Television and iview. This film focuses on Robert and his son Zaachariaha's family life in Mimili. It shows how their home and community have influenced both father and son.
Art Exhibitions
Robert's art has been shown in many places, both by himself and with other artists.
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.
- 2020: KulataTjuta (Many Spears) tour from Tarnanthi to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes, France.
- December 2021 – March 2022: (un)learning Australia at Seoul Museum of Art.
- 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 show, at the Fondation Opale in Switzerland.
- 2020: Routes / Roots, Linden New Art, Melbourne.
- 2021: Manta, blackartprojects, Melbourne.
Where His Art Is Kept
Robert Fielding's artworks are held in many important art collections, including:
