Dr Christian Thompson AO is a Bidjara/Irish/Chinese-Australian contemporary artist whose work explores notions of identity, cultural hybridity & history. Formally trained as a sculptor, Thompson’s multidisciplinary practice engages mediums such as photography, video, sculpture, performance & sound. His work focuses on the exploration of identity, sexuality, gender, race and memory. In his live performances and conceptual portraits he inhabits a range of personas achieved through handcrafted costumes & carefully orchestrated poses & backdrops. In 2010 Thompson made history when he became the first Aboriginal Australian to be admitted into the University of Oxford in its 900-year history. He is currently a research affiliate at the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford. Thompson holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (Fine Art), Trinity College, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Master of Theatre, Amsterdam School of Arts, Das Arts, The Netherlands; Masters of Fine Art (Sculpture) RMIT University and Honours (Sculpture) RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia; and a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

Thompson has exhibited all over the world during his career that spans across the last two-decades. His work is held in major collections including the Museum of Contemporary Art and Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney; National Gallery of Australia, Canberra; National Gallery of Victoria; Queensland Art Gallery and the University of Queensland Art Museum, Brisbane; and the Aboriginal Art Museum, Utrecht. A major survey exhibition of Thompson’s work, Christian Thompson: Ritual Intimacy toured nationally between 2017 and 2019. In 2018 Thompson was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for distinguished service to the visual arts as a sculptor, photographer, video and performance artist, and as a role model for young Indigenous artists.

4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art undertook a research and development initiative in collaboration with Aboriginal Australian-Chinese artist Dr. Christian Thompson AO.  Building upon the foundation of his prior artistic works, notably New Gold Mountain (2021), the House of Gold research and development project aimed to unravel the enduring legacy of the Chinese diaspora in Australia, tracing its origins from the era of the 1850s Gold Rush to its present-day manifestations.

Central to this research initiative is Dr. Thompson’s investigation into the experiences of the first generation of Chinese miners hailing from the Guangdong region who ventured to Australia during the Gold Rush period. Beyond merely documenting historical events, Dr. Thompson examined the intricate interplay between the Chinese migrants’ aspirations and the pervasive impact of the discriminatory White Australia Policy (1901 – 1973) on their lives. This exploration sheds light on the challenges, resilience, and cultural tenacity that characterised this community throughout a period marred by systemic racism.

The outcomes of House of Gold were then showcased at 4A (20 April – 2 June 2024), situated in a heritage-listed building in Chinatown amid rapid urban developments. This presentation connected strongly with preserving Chinatown’s heritage and the history of early Chinese migration. The work not only honours the struggles and contributions of the Chinese diaspora but also intersects with the crucial task of protecting Aboriginal identity from erasure. Chinatown and Indigenous cultures are interwoven into Australia’s national identity, sharing histories marred by injustices and suppression. Just as Aboriginal communities faced historical injustices, Chinese immigrants encountered discrimination and marginalisation. These efforts rejuvenate a cultural hub, highlighting the significance of embracing diversity for a united, harmonious future.