SMH Spectrum: Artist Fiona Foley explores how opium was used to control Aboriginal labour

SMH Spectrum: Artist Fiona Foley explores how opium was used to control Aboriginal labour

Article by Melanie Kembrey

NAS alumna Dr Fiona Foley sits down with Sydney Morning Herald and speaks about her childhood, artist practice and work in the lead up to the opening of Who are these strangers and where are they going? at National Art School.

Image: Fiona Foley. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer

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What's happening at the National Art School on 6 September? RSVP to our Open Day today to find out. (Link in bio)
Hear artist James Nguyen (@jamesnguyens) discuss the process of his artwork ‘Homeopathies_where new trees grow’ (2025), a site-specific installation created for The Neighbour at the Gate, now on at NAS Gallery.

In response to the exhibition, Nguyen created a large-scale suspended textile, dyed with introduced weeds and contaminated mud collected along the Duck River and Parramatta River in Sydney. These local sites, like many places in Vietnam, continue to be contaminated by Agent Orange, dioxins and toxic leachates that account for the industrial scale manufacturing of chemical weapons along Homebush Bay.

The Naarm/Melbourne-based, Vietnamese Australian artist positions his personal experiences and perspectives in dialogue with others in his interdisciplinary practice, moving between live and online performance, video, drawing and installations. This work was made in conjunction with Nguyen’s aunt, Nguyễn Thị Kim Nhung, and uncle, Nguyễn Công Chính, who you can hear in conversation with the artist in the Artist Talks archive on our website.

The Neighbour at the Gate is now on until Saturday 18 October 2025. 11am – 5pm, Monday to Sunday. Plan your visit at the link in bio.

The Neighbour at the Gate has been made possible with the generous support of the NSW Government through its Blockbusters Funding initiative.
Congratulations to our recent BFA graduate Samuel Chan (@__szwc), who has been named one of three recipients of the ‘most exceptional’ prize at the Dr Harold Schenberg Arts Awards.

Now in its 16th year, the Dr Harold Schenberg Arts Awards offers the largest prize pool for emerging artists in Australia and is part of PICA’s ‘Hatched: National Graduate Show’. To be part of ‘Hatched’ exhibition is an honour as it showcases the next generation of Australia’s contemporary creative voices, presenting artworks by 23 outstanding art school graduates from across the country.

Sam’s award-winning installation work includes 'At Eventuality’s End' - an evocative sculptural piece previously featured in our ‘Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy ‘exhibition as well as the NAS Grad Show.

Inspired by our alumni success stories? Join our Open Day on 6 September to explore your own creative path and get application-ready with one-on-one consultation sessions. (Link in bio)

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(In order of appearance in the video)

'Embrace', 2024, resin, stainless steel hook, Conte crayon, 47 x 14.5 x 9.5cm

‘Transfiguration’, 2024, Chillagoe White Pearl marble, mild steel, incense, 172 x 26 x 26cm 

'Noose', 2024, resin, graphite, titanium rod, 30 x 14 x 5cm 

'At Eventuality's End', 2024, hand-dyed paper, wire mesh, mild steel rod, 255 x 80 x 60cm

Image courtesy and © the artist, photograph: Jennifer Leahy (@silversalt_photography)

@pica_perth
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