Lismore Regional Gallery is pleased to present OCCURRENT AFFAIR - a major exhibition featuring new and recent works by influential Aboriginal artist collective proppaNOW.

Established in 2003, proppaNOW is one of Australia’s leading cultural collectives – members Vernon Ah Kee, Tony Albert, Richard Bell, Megan Cope, Jennifer Herd, Gordon Hookey and Laurie Nilsen explore the politics of Aboriginal art and culture, re-thinking what it means to be a ‘contemporary Aboriginal artist’.

Conceived as a collaborative activist gesture, OCCURRENT AFFAIR addresses current socio-political, economic and environmental issues, while celebrating the strength, resilience and continuity of Aboriginal culture. Engaging wordplay through its title, OCCURRENT AFFAIRreferences the sensational journalistic style of some television current affair programs. 

OCCURRENT AFFAIR embraces the slippage between language and its associated readings to probe and present new narratives. The exhibition will reflect on the ongoing state of affairs affecting Aboriginal communities – issues that are relevant to all Australians.

One of Australia’s leading Indigenous arts collectives, proppaNOW was set up in Brisbane in 2003 to give urban-based Aboriginal artists a voice. They present a unique and controversial perspective of black Australia, which is sometimes confronting and always thought provoking.

proppaNOW create art that raises awareness of Aboriginal urban expression that depicts a contemporary story. They reinforce that Aboriginal Australia is a living culture that has evolved over time and dispel the notion that Indigenous art needs to be from a remote area to be ‘authentic’.

This will be proppaNOW’s last exhibition as a collective – seeing this historically significant movement at Lismore Regional Gallery is an unmissable opportunity.

Ashleigh Ralph, Director at Lismore Regional Gallery, says of the exhibition, "It is with great pleasure that we can showcase some of Australia’s preeminent contemporary artists at Lismore Regional Gallery. OCCURRENT AFFAIR is engaging and thought-provoking, providing a platform for important conversations around socio-political and cultural issues.

"Our public programs offer the community meaningful engagement with these themes. Bringing this exhibition to Lismore reinforces the legacy of Lismore Regional Gallery as the cornerstone of cultural life in the Northern Rivers and a gallery that attracts national and international audiences."

As part of OCCURRENT AFFAIR, there are a range of public programs. Visit the website for the latest information.

OCCURRENT AFFAIR soft opening

Sunday 2 March, 12 - 1pm

Followed by Gathering Space with Kylie Caldwell for Aboriginal artists and community members

Embassy programming in the Quad

1 March – 27 April

A platform for First Nations people to have a voice and share stories, poetry, and ideas.

Words as activism: placard making workshop with artist Penny Evans

Saturday 5 April, 10am – 12pm

Using Richard Bell’s Embassy as inspiration, artist Penny Evans facilitates a placard painting workshop for all ages, exploring the power of words.

OCCURRENT AFFAIR closing celebration

Sunday 26 April, 1 – 3pm

Join Rhoda Roberts OA in conversation with proppaNOW artists.