It was the late 90s, when Mayumi first took the Aboriginal Art works from the remote part of Northern Territory to Japan. However Aboriginal art was not yet recognized, such that there were no places that would display the art.
"Finding a gallery to display was not easy"
The very first Aboriginal Art exhibition was held from a lounge room of her friend's house.
However, gradually the word spread, and Aboriginal art was becoming "more recognized" in Japan, such that galleries and department stores began taking in her bookings.
”My job is to take something from zero to one"
For the Aboriginal people, art was one form of communication, says Mayumi. Without a written language, they drew on sands, rocks and their bodies to pass down important information down thousands of generations.
Source: Mayumi Uchida
"It was not until 1971 that these works began to be appreciated as art"
"It is considered to be a modern art, yet what they are drawing, the very stories have not changed for thousands of years. This is one of the reason why I am so attracted to Aboriginal Art", Mayumi says, reflecting on her 20 years of work.
"I was not only drawn into the beautiful art work, but the very people who created them"
Source: Mayumi Uchida
The more she visited and interacted with the artists and people of the community, she further fell in love with the art.
When Mayumi visits the Aboriginal community, she believes that respecting their culture is crucial for a healthy relationship.
"Outsiders should not ask questions just out of curiosity" and "You should follow the rules of each residential area" says Mayumi.
Mayumi cannot wait for the borders to open, so that she can once again visit the Aboriginal community where she has built a strong tie with.
Source: Mayumi Uchida
"I will just keep doing what I do"
" As one Japanese living in Australia, I wish my work can act like a bridge, bringing people of Japan and Australia together"
