Artist Franck Gohier is an integral part of Darwin’s vibrant arts scene. However, when he first arrived from France with his parents 50 years ago, the cyclone-ravaged outpost of Darwin seemed like an alien universe. “It was like being on another planet, or in a science fiction movie or something,” he recalls. “It was pretty wild.”
This initial impression of Darwin’s raw and untamed environment has reverberated throughout Gohier’s extensive body of work. As a painter, sculptor, and printmaker, he has been weaving elements of Northern Territory and French culture into his art since the 1980s. His works are exhibited in galleries across Australia and internationally, offering a unique perspective on the quintessentially Territorian experience.
Early Influences and Artistic Development
Growing up, Gohier was surrounded by the remnants of Cyclone Tracy, as his parents were involved in the demolition business during the city’s recovery. Much of his childhood was spent exploring the mangroves, acting as 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.”
Gohier’s artistic journey began at the former Northern Territory University, now known as Charles Darwin University (CDU). This year, he has come full circle with a residency and fellowship at the new Danala art building at the CDU city campus. He is currently working on a new body of work for the upcoming Northern Territory Art Gallery in Darwin, though the details remain under wraps.
Exploring Territory History Through Art
Gohier’s art often reflects the history and culture of the Northern Territory, infused with political and social consciousness. His curiosity about the region’s past led him to explore remote areas such as the Kimberley, Central Australia, Arnhem Land, and the Tiwi Islands. “I learned a great deal about Indigenous culture, about land rights, about the different seasons, about fishing, about hunting,” he says. “And in turn, I hope I imparted some knowledge as well, with my screen printing and printmaking skills.”
His commitment to supporting Indigenous communities is evident in his efforts to use art as a means of generating income. “It just became another tier to help Indigenous artists to pay for their communities and their art centres,” Gohier explains. He has also been instrumental in developing an art program in Berrimah Prison, which involved teaching art skills to Indigenous inmates as a form of therapy and skill-building.
Community Engagement and Legacy
Over the years, Gohier has donated much of his work back to the Darwin community, believing that art can be created anywhere. “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 evident in his own practice, as he draws inspiration from his immediate surroundings.
Despite his international exposure, Gohier remains focused on the authenticity of his experiences. “I’ve never really tried to make my art have a wider appeal or an international appeal or anything else,” he says. “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 a cyclone-ravaged Darwin to becoming a celebrated artist is a testament to his resilience and creativity. His work not only enriches the local arts scene but also serves as a bridge connecting diverse cultures and histories through the universal language of art.
