Ochre and Ink

Gr 9 Up—After visiting Australia's Arnhem Land in the late 1980s, Chinese artist Zhou Xiaoping became very interested in Aboriginal culture. He formed a deep friendship and collaborative partnership with Aboriginal artist Johnny Bulunbulun. The two worked on an exhibition to be held in Beijing, inspired by the 300-year-old sea cucumber trade between Aboriginal people and Chinese traders. Sadly, Bulunbulun died suddenly before the opening, but his widow and son attended the showing in China. The film focuses mostly on Zhou's sometimes controversial work. He is not always aware of the history and sensitivities surrounding Aboriginal culture. Critics unfamiliar with his relationship with Arnhem Land worry about exploitation and racism. (American audiences looking for more context may wish this issue had been examined more fully.) While Bulunbulun obviously could not participate in the film (though there is footage of him and Zhou working together), viewers hear briefly from his widow, Laurie Maarbudug.