Robert Fielding is a contemporary artist of Pakistani, Afghan, Western Arrernte and Yankunytjatjara descent who lives in Mimili Community on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. Robert combines strong cultural roots with contemporary views on the tensions between community life and global concerns. He confidently moves across different mediums forming a meeting point for different narratives to come together and connect with each other. His practice includes new media, painting, and traditional craftsmanship.

Fielding’s work is rooted in his personal experience of reclaiming culture as a son of the Stolen Generation. He has spent extended periods of time connecting with Australia’s major cultural institutions, whilst concurrently learning from his Elders on the APY Lands. This personal history brings a uniquely potent perspective to his work, which offers a reminder that many cultural practices are stronger than ever today, whilst also noticing traditions worn down or destroyed by white intervention. His work is a stern truth-telling and a reconciliatory call for unity simultaneously, constantly bridging perceived opposites, creating new connections and community around him.

Through residencies at Canberra Glassworks (2023) and McClelland Sculpture Park (2023), Robert continues to deepen his relationships with peers throughout Australia, always generously inviting collaboration and co-creation. Robert celebrated his first international solo exhibition at Fondation Opale in Switzerland in late 2018. In 2022 he was featured as part of the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and in 2023 presented a major new work as part of The National 4 at Art Gallery of New South Wales.

In 2024, Robert will hold a major institutional presentation of his recently developed print portfolio at Maitland Regional Gallery. He was also announced recipient of the Stuart Black Drawing Fellowship of the Victorian College of the Arts, which will see him as a guest lecturer at VCA in late 2024.