Archie Moore’s installation “Kith and Kin,” showcased at the 2024 Venice Biennale, has been jointly acquired by the Queensland Art Gallery (QAGOMA) and Tate. Moore, the first Australian and First Nations artist to win the Golden Lion for Best National Participation, created the piece to trace his family’s 65,000-year lineage across 2,400 generations.
“Kith and Kin” is a work that reflects Moore’s dual heritage: his paternal line traces back to a British-Scottish convict exiled to Australia in the 19th century, while his maternal lineage is tied to First Nations people. This transnational connection mirrors the collaboration between the two institutions, Tate and QAGOMA. Acquiring the work as a set of artist instructions rather than a physical installation allows it to be displayed simultaneously at both museums, avoiding additional costs for shipping, conservation, and storage.
The work examines the suppression of Indigenous history and the persistence of racism, raising crucial questions about why these issues endure and the resistance to addressing them. Moore’s artwork engages a broad audience, poetically exploring Australia’s First Nations histories, languages, and cultures, while fostering greater awareness.
Moore’s family history is depicted in a hand-drawn genealogical chart, rendered in white chalk and painted black on the walls and ceilings. Documents of First Nations individuals who died in detention are arranged around a reflecting pool at the center of the room. This setup creates a contemplative space, illuminated with a somber light, offering a reflective experience of the profound historical and personal loss represented.
An early Old English definition from the 1300s shows that “kith” originally referred to “countrymen” or “one’s native land,” while “kin” meant “family members.” This installation reflects humanity’s deep-rooted historical connections. It is both intimate and politically charged. By expanding from a personal to a universal perspective through his family tree, Moore addresses the global context of colonial history and highlights the politics and presence of Indigenous peoples.
“Kith and Kin” will be exhibited at QAGOMA in Brisbane starting August 2025. The acquisition of this work marks a significant achievement, ensuring its powerful message of First Nations truth-telling continues to resonate globally. The recognition of Moore’s work at the Venice Biennale underscores the vital role of First Nations art in Australia and highlights the country’s growing influence in the global contemporary art scene.
