New installation at Shepparton Art Museum reflects on historic Olympic moment.

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is pleased to present Peter, Tommie & John / reliving the dream, a large-scale textile installation from Melbourne-based artist Stewart Russell exploring one of the most influential political actions of the 20th century through the eyes of Australian Olympic silver medallist Peter Norman.

Expanding on an earlier project created by Russell in collaboration with late artist Kate Daw, Peter, Tommie & John / reliving the dream tells the story of the historic podium-top act of protest against racism instigated by African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos, together with Australian athlete Peter Norman, at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico following their record-breaking final in the 200-metre track event. Whilst Tommie Smith and John Carlos returned to the USA as heroes of the civil rights movement, Peter Norman returned to Australia to suffer unofficial sanction and ridicule.

Featuring images and transcriptions drawn from interviews conducted with Peter prior to his death in 2006, the new works focus on the triumph of the athletes’ personal friendship, which endured in spite of their protest’s continued political repercussions.

Danny Lacy, SAM Acting Artistic Director, says of the exhibition:

“These new works from Stewart Russell are a timely tribute to the extraordinary actions of Peter Norman and his personal sacrifice to a cause he believed in. While the images of the protest will be familiar to many, the story behind the image and of what followed are lesser known, though equally as fascinating. As we enjoy the 2024 Paris Olympics, we encourage our community to visit SAM, reflect on Peter’s words and experiences, and learn more about a little-known moment in Australian sporting history.”

Stewart Russell: Peter, Tommie & John / reliving the dream is now showing at SAM with free entry.

About the artist:

Stewart Russell (b. 1965, Scotland) employs a range of media to examine narrative of cultural inheritance, collective identity, nationalism, and social justice.

Formerly working as director of London Printworks, Russell established Melbourne-based studio Spacecraft in 2000, where he works individually and collaboratively with artists, architects, and fashion designers to produce artworks which can be found in public spaces, galleries, and collections across the world.

ENDS