Artist Franck Gohier has become an integral part of Darwin’s vibrant artistic community. His journey began 50 years ago when he arrived from France with his parents, stepping into a cyclone-ravaged landscape that felt like an alien universe. “It was like being on another planet, or in a science fiction movie or something,” Gohier reflects. “It was pretty wild.”
This initial impression of Darwin has profoundly influenced Gohier’s extensive body of work as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker. Since the 1980s, he has seamlessly woven elements of Northern Territory and French culture into his art, which is now exhibited in galleries across Australia and internationally. His unique perspective offers a window into the Territorian way of life for a global audience.
From Cyclone Debris to Artistry
Growing up amidst the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy, Gohier’s childhood was spent around his parents’ demolition business. He often foraged through the mangroves, playing the role of an amateur archaeologist. “That still informs my work to a great deal,” he explains. “There’s lots of strata, lots of history, the detritus of other people’s stories, which I bring into new contemporary storytelling as well.”
Some of the objects he discovered during these explorations have found their way into his artwork, adding layers of meaning and context. Gohier’s creative process involves incorporating these historical elements to enrich his narrative, exemplified by his Darwin-inspired twist on Andy Warhol’s famous Campbell’s Soup Cans series.
An Artistic Education and Legacy
Gohier honed his craft at the former NT University, now known as Charles Darwin University (CDU). This year marks a significant milestone in his career as he returns to the institution with a residency and fellowship at the new Danala art building on the CDU city campus. He is currently developing a body of work for the upcoming Northern Territory Art Gallery in Darwin, the specifics of which remain a closely guarded secret.
His art is deeply intertwined with the history of the territory, infused with political and social consciousness. “I learned a great deal about Indigenous culture, about land rights, about the different seasons, about fishing, about hunting,” Gohier says. His travels across the Kimberley, Central Australia, Arnhem Land, and the Tiwi Islands have enriched his understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture.
Empowering Indigenous Artists
Gohier’s commitment to community extends beyond his personal artistic endeavors. He has used his skills to support Indigenous artists, helping them generate income through printmaking. “[It] just became another tier to help Indigenous artists to pay for their communities and their art centres,” he explains. This initiative ensures a steady stream of income, complementing the sale of larger artworks.
In 1996, Gohier developed an art program in Berrimah Prison under the former Ending Offending program. This initiative involved teaching art skills to Indigenous inmates with the help of guest Aboriginal elders, serving as both therapy and skill-building. “My job there was just to make the project run smoothly and to facilitate that process and to culminate in a huge exhibition,” he recalls. The program was a success, both within the prison and in the broader community.
Art as a Reflection of Life
Throughout his career, Gohier has generously donated much of his work back to the Darwin community. He believes that art can be created anywhere, using the immediate environment as inspiration. “Have a look around you. What are the things that are right in front of your face, where you’re at, and use that as your source material,” he advises. This philosophy is a testament to his dedication to authentic storytelling.
“I’ve never really tried to make my art have a wider appeal or an international appeal or anything else,” Gohier states. “I’m just interested in the vitality of my own experiences and the honesty that comes out of that about storytelling.”
Franck Gohier’s journey from France to Darwin has not only shaped his artistic vision but has also contributed significantly to the cultural tapestry of the Northern Territory. His work continues to inspire and empower, reflecting the rich history and diverse stories of the region.
