A sense of deep time resonates through this composition, which represents over 60,000 years of human history on the Australian continent.
See the Grigoryan Brothers’ performance of Deep Time at the National Museum.The ground piece of haematite (ochre) from Madjedbebe rock shelter, Arnhem Land was photographed with the permission of Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Long, angular and stretched-out chords convey a stillness. The music quite literally draws on the concept of rock – stylistically referring to rock formations, physical changes to the landscape over time and the very materiality of ochre.
Slava and Leonard with the ground piece of haematite (ochre)
Arnhem Land
This ground piece of haematite (ochre) is from the Madjedbebe rock shelter site, deep in the heart of Mirarr Country in Arnhem Land.
Aboriginal artefacts from Madjedbebe have been dated to 65,000 years ago, making them the oldest evidence of human history in Australia.
These artefacts are a significant part of Mirarr people’s cultural heritage. Traditional law and custom applies to them, including the right to control their use and their images.
Please contact the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation at culturalheritage@mirarr.net to request permission to reproduce, use or publish any image or photograph of these items.
Grigoryan Brothers – This is Us series 02 Mar 2021
Deep Time
In our collection