Between the Lines tomorrow

As Geoffrey mentioned yesterday in my previous post, there's an interesting doco being screened on ABC-TV 1 tomorrow afternoon about Adam Hill an indigenous artist based in Sydney.

After two years following him, friends of mine Monica Garriga and Esther Lozano will finally see the 25-minute version aired at 1.30pm on Messagesticks, which is then repeated on Monday at 4.30pm on ABC-TV 2 and again on Friday at 6.00pm ABC-TV 1.

I first saw the 55-minute version last year when it was presented by Performance Space at Carriageworks and it is really interesting to see the way these two Spanish film-makers give perspective to not only Hill's work but to his relationship with his father.

It follows Hill as he goes on an artistic and personal journey of identity through his music, paintings and political activism.

It is quite a unique and intimate glimpse into Australia’s identity through the critical eyes of the art activist and it shows Hill confronting his frustrations and his commitment towards his own aboriginality while struggling with the views held by the society around him and the people closest to him.

Bob his father, was brought up with his white cousins after his mother died, never having any contact with his aboriginal family. He then married a 'beautiful girl' of European origin and led a typically suburban Australian life with her until she recently passed away.

The documentary highlights the stark contrast between Adam and his father’s social identity and I think it is a moving insight into the individual’s search for meaning in a world dictated by imagery and stereotypes.

Adam and his father have taken very separate paths in defining their aboriginality and the intergenerational disparity between them hits a raw nerve as they head in opposite directions. Bob has never been exposed to aboriginal culture and in no way does he share the strong opinions his son portrays through his exhibitions or his canvasses.

It's a touching story and I highly recommend it. So if you are around tomorrow afternoon, check it out.