Kimberley-based artist Junior Oliphant believes artists have a responsibility to tell honest stories – even the uncomfortable ones – as those stories help people see one another with greater empathy.

It was precisely his artwork – which powerfully explores themes of Khoi and San heritage and the lived experiences of Indigenous communities – that led to his selection to travel to Australia as a representative of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO).

There he will visit “Cosmic Echoes: A Shared Sky Indigenous Art Exhibition” at the Museum of Geraldton in Western Australia. A number of his artworks are featured in this exhibition that brings together Aboriginal Australian and South African Indigenous artists to explore modern astronomy and ancient cultural connections to the night sky.

Summarising his work in the exhibition, he says: “Each piece explores themes of identity, history, memory, and the lived experiences of people who are often overlooked or misrepresented.”

During this all-expenses-paid trip in a time-frame between 13 July and 30 August, Oliphant is hoping to make the most of every moment by engaging with the exhibition, meeting artists, and experiencing the local culture.

“As artists, we always hope our work reaches people beyond our own communities, but being selected for an international exhibition is never something you take for granted. It was both humbling and affirming to receive the invitation, and it reminds me that authentic storytelling can resonate across borders,” Oliphant says. “Coming from South Africa, I also want people to understand that our stories are diverse, complex, and still unfolding.”

Preserving language and legacy

He holds the view that art has the power to challenge narratives, preserve memory, and create conversations that words alone sometimes cannot.

Probably his most prominent painting on exhibition is “Children of the San XI: My Ma Se Taal” which he completed in 2024. This is a 150cm x 150cm artwork on canvas of Dr Katrina Esau, an icon of the Northern Cape. She is the last remaining speaker of the First Nations N/uu language.

Oliphant said previously, “My painting preserves the legacy of Ouma Katrina and celebrates her vision. A language has a whole culture embedded in it. The SKA technology is in search of the messages written in the stars whilst we are losing our languages that were repositories of riches the scientists wish to explore.”

SKA refers to Square Kilometre Array, an international megaproject building the world’s largest radio telescope in the Carnarvon area in the Northern Cape.

Modern science and ancient wisdom

The exhibition is described as a transformative journey of collaboration between world-renowned artists, local youth, and Elders who have been inspired by the traditional knowledge of ancient cultures and the wonders of modern science.

It is part of a larger Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) initiative bringing together Aboriginal Australian and South African Indigenous artists to explore creativity at the intersection of modern science and ancient wisdom.

This initiative was developed in collaboration with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and the Wajari artists of the Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation.

About a decade ago, the first SKAO Indigenous art exhibition called “Shared Sky” was developed by the John Curtin Gallery at Curtin University, in association with SARAO, SKA Australia, and in collaboration with Yamaji Art, Geraldton, Australia and the First People Centre at the Bethesda Art Centre in Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape.

SKAO has facilities located in three countries: the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa.

Building on collaboration

In June 2024, a group of artists worked with local Indigenous youth and Elders in South Africa to prepare for the “Cosmic Echoes” Exhibition. This was the successor of “Shared Sky”.

The workshops were held in Carnarvon which the young Alishé Malgas from this Northern Cape town attended. She was also selected to attend the exhibition in Australia.

Meanwhile in Western Australia, the SKAO and CSIRO commissioned and briefed a group of Aboriginal visual artists from the Wajarri Yamaji People, traditional owners and native title holders of the land where the SKA-Low telescope is located.

First visit to Australia

It will be Oliphant’s first visit to Australia. He visited the UK in 2023 to attend the annual London Contemporary Art Fair for which some of his artworks were selected. Following that, he was invited to travel to Berlin after two of his paintings were selected for an exhibition in the Galaria Azur. However, he was not able to go.

ALSO READ: Kimberley artist from Roodepan invited to second exhibition abroad; Berlin awaits

“Going to Australia feels like another step in my journey as an artist. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my work with a new audience whilst learning from people whose histories and cultures have their own powerful stories of resilience.”

Apart from meeting Aboriginal Australians and visiting this international exhibition that includes his artwork, Oliphant is looking forward to experiencing the natural landscapes, visiting local galleries and museums, exploring public art and street art, and simply observing everyday life.

“I’m particularly interested in learning about Indigenous art practices and how culture, history, and storytelling are expressed visually.”

Creative pursuits and future plans

In Kimberley, Oliphant is continuously building his fine art practice through exhibitions and new painting collections. Alongside tattooing, he is also expanding Virgin Steel Studios where he creates murals, mentors emerging artists, and develops creative projects that engage communities.

“In addition, I’m developing a television drama called Tag, a story about identity, creativity, and survival in South Africa, as well as continuing work with the Northern Cape Arts Collective, which focuses on creating opportunities for artists in the province.”

Tag is a written novel with the goal of it to become a national TV drama about a boy who uses his art to get out of the ghetto and a better future. But his father’s legacy and past keeps him behind and he uses his identity and art to navigate difficult decisions that drives the story.

For Oliphant and for future endeavours, he hopes to gain perspective during this visit to Australia.

“Travelling allows you to see your own work through different eyes. I’m looking forward to meaningful conversations, cultural exchange, and building relationships with artists and audiences from different backgrounds.

“I believe those experiences will influence both my personal growth and my future creative work.”

ALSO READ: Kby artist to garner an audience in the UK