The Lumen Seed: Records of a Search in the Australian Desert

The Lumen Seed sensitively depicts a cultural dialogue taking place before a backdrop of offenses against the Australian continent, as well as a history of systematic discrimination against indigenous peoples on the part of the country’s white population. The images, created by Australia-based artist Judith Crispin in close consultation with indigenous people, document an attempt by the Warlpiri group to share sacred information with white people; the poems convey the artist’s interpretation of those ideas, alongside her development of personal relationships with community elders.

Judith Crispin returned to Australia in 2011 after living and working in Germany for several years. Since that time she has driven the 8000km round trip from her home in Canberra to the remote community of Lajamanu many times and established a close relationship with the Warlpiri community there. Crispin has a background in music composition, poetry and photography.

Juno Gemes is one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary photographers. In words and images she has spent 40 years documenting the changing social landscape of Australia, and in particular the lives and struggles of Aboriginal Australians.