Contact: Karis Erwin, National WWI Museum and Memorial, 816.888.8122, kerwin@theworldwar.org
KANSAS CITY, MO. – The National WWI Museum and Memorial announced a new art installation from its Artist-in-Residence program. In L ving Memory opens to the public on Thursday, Nov. 6 and features Indigenous Worimi artist Dean Cross. The 2024-2025 Artist-in-Residence program is a partnership between the Australian Government’s Consulate of Chicago and the National WWI Museum and Memorial that examines indigenous art and WWI.
During World War I, Indigenous peoples from around the world played an important role that often goes unrecognized. Thousands of Indigenous people from North America, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Africa volunteered or were drafted into colonial armies.
In Australia, more than 1,200 Indigenous men enlisted or tried to enlist during the war. About 850 men served, often facing major barriers to do so. Despite these challenges, Indigenous veterans used their military service as a platform to fight for equal treatment and citizenship for themselves and their communities.
The exhibition highlights Indigenous service during WWI, and specifically that of Indigenous Australians. Cross drew from his Worimi roots to create an installation that highlights both tradition and sacrifice.
“Across the Australian landscape, evidence of our Ancestors can be seen in lingering gestures of touch, where ancient hands are carried forward into the 21st century,” said Dean Cross, Artist-in-Residence. “In the Southeast, where I am from, one of the ways this touch can be seen is in what we call ‘Scar Trees.’ When I make a new Scar Tree, my Ancestors will be able to hold my hands in the same way.”
Artist-in-Residence Dean Cross was born and raised on Ngunnawal/Ngambri Country and is a Worimi man through his father's family line. He is an artist who primarily works with installations, sculptures, and paintings. Interested in collecting materials, ideas, and histories, Cross understands that his art is part of a continuing living culture on Earth. His work supports First Nations sovereignty through modern art methods. His cross-disciplinary practice often challenges the legacies of modernism and rebalances dominant cultural and social histories.
In L ving Memory is located in Ellis Gallery and is included in a General Admission ticket. The exhibition is made possible by the Australian War Memorial, Australian Consulate in Chicago, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, Macquarie and PayIt.
Media interested in a preview should reach out to Karis Erwin, Vice President of Marketing and Guest Services, at kerwin@theworldwar.org or 816.888.8122.
About the National WWI Museum and Memorial
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. To learn more, visit theworldwar.org.