Gamilaroi and Bigambul artist, Archie Moore, was awarded an honorary doctorate from Queensland University of Technology on Sunday for his exceptional contributions to the community, academia, and the university.
Moore, a 1998 graduate of Queensland University of Technology's (QUT) Bachelor of Visual Arts program and recipient of the university's Outstanding Alumni Award in 2018, has compiled a significant career in contemporary art, addressing themes such as Indigenous politics, racism, cultural identity, and national histories.
Reflecting on receiving the doctorate, Moore expressed his initial doubts.
"When I was contacted and informed of the decision of the University to consider awarding me an honorary doctorate, my first reaction was a sense of perplexity," he said.
"Honorary Doctorate? What does that mean? Do they give these awards out to anyone?"
He admitted still feeling humbled by the recognition.
This year has been a landmark one for Moore.
His exhibition kith and kin at the Venice Biennale earned the Golden Lion for Best National Participation, marking the first time Australia has received this honour since its Biennale debut in 1954.
The Australian Government recently announced the acquisition of kith and kin for joint display at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Tate in London, ensuring the work's enduring impact.
Moore highlighted the transformative role of education in his journey, noting the challenges he faced during his schooling years.
"I had awful flashbacks of being in school... learning challenges beset by discrimination being the only Aboriginal pupil each year in each class," Moore said.
However, he credited QUT's Visual Arts faculty for fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that allowed him to thrive.
Moore also reflected on his family's educational background, contrasting his accomplishments with the barriers faced by earlier generations.
"My grandparents were illiterate, having no schooling whatsoever," he said.
"My mother only had four years of school education before being put to work 'stick picking'."
Moore used the occasion to encourage other Indigenous people to pursue university education and follow in the footsteps of Indigenous graduates.
His achievements include being the 2001 Anne & Gordon Samstag International Visual Arts Scholarship recipient, creating public artwork for Sydney International Airport, and exhibiting at prestigious events such as the Biennale of Sydney.
Moore credited his time at QUT as pivotal to his success.
"I seriously don't know where I would have ended up if I did not attend university at that time," he said.
He concluded his address with a quote from the late American writer William H. Gass.
"'Try to remember that artists in these catastrophic times, along with the serious scientists, are the only salvation for us, if there is to be any... sometimes accidents happen and beauty is born'," he said.
