Installation view

Depicted in the image are five works (L-R) Melbourne story from Alparra store to the MCG, Camp dog, Arlparra Docker football player, Arnkewenyerra Swans football player,Mulga Bore Magpies football player, Soapy Bore Crows football player all created in 2008 and were exhibited in the first Basil Sellers Art Prize in 2008.

The inward and invisible aspects of sport are embedded in a far larger field of activity—the expansive, celebratory carnival of the sporting community. The competitor may focus on being 'in the zone' but the fan revels in 'being there', witnessing and sharing the event. 'Being there' is where a community finds its focus, discovers its role models and sees to its collective health. In indigenous communities, sport is a powerful force for social cohesion and a source of pride. Exclusion, marginalisation and racial vilification are being challenged and the indigenous presence in the game is celebrated in the achievements of heroes and the AFL's annual Dreamtime round. For Josie Kunoth Petyarre and Dinni Kunoth Kemarre, football matches have a family focus and are an occasion to meet a far-flung community. Carving and painting stars from AFL and local teams is a process that gives voice to family and community passions. Their paintings and sculptures traverse the full geographical and organisational spectrum of Australian sport, ranging from the Melbourne Cricket Ground to a local league in Central Australia.