Wild Dog was an immersive installation and exhibition exploring the importance of one of Australia’s most misunderstood but significant cultural symbols – the dingo.
This was the first artistic outcome of a multi-year cultural maintenance and revival project that connects the Dingo story from Kaurna and Narungga country in South Australia to Lardil Country in Mornington Island, including cultural links stretching to the Wild Dog story for the Bunun people from Taiwan.
The project, conceived and artistically directed by Kaurna/Narungga artist Jacob Boehme, had been created to preserve and maintain the Wild Dog story. Often renegaded as a pest, the Dingo has and continues to be a significant living figure in First Nations’ cultures and presence within the Australia ecological system.
The exhibition featured film animation, puppetry, dance, song and immersive art works, along with a public program of panels and talks that further explored themes within the works. A beautiful and visceral multi-media event open to all ages.
The exhibition featured art works from renowned artists: Dick Roughsey, Netta Loogatha, Roxanne Thomas, Jacob Boehme, Sonya Rankine, James Henry, Kaine Sultan Babij, Tjarutja First Nations Dance Collective, Aluaiy Kaumakan and Biung Ismashan from the Kaurna, Narungga, Ngarrindjeri, Ngadjuri, Wirangu, Yorta Yorta, Yuin, Yuwaalaraa, Gamilaraay, Eastern Arrernte, Gurindgi, Lardil, Kaiadilt and Bunun peoples of Australia and Taiwan. The works connect on a central theme of the importance of the Wild Dog to their respective communities and culture.
The Wild Dog was presented by Tarnanthi and held at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute from July - August 2022.
Architecture and Exhibition Design: Skein
Artistic Director: Jacob Boehme
Produced by: Country Arts SA and Insite Arts
Images: Sam Roberts Photography