Abdul Abdullah Reveals his Cherished Possesions in an Interview with The Guardian

1 Sep 2024

In Guardian Australia’s weekly interview about objects, the Perth-born artist, Abdul Adullah—shared a glimpse into his personal world. Renowned for his work that interrogates otherness and Australian identity, Abdullah’s approach is always shifting as it is compelling, from vivid self-portraits to thought-provoking public installations. Now based in Bangkok with his wife, Bundjulung/Ngapuhi artist Amrita Hepi, Abdullah shared some intimate insights with The Guardian.

Katie Cunningham interviewed Abdullah; questioning what his most cherished possession were, which he answered was a surprise painting from his studio team in Bangkok. “They had been working on it for weeks in secret,” Abdullah said, describing how the artwork features collages of his and Hepi’s engagement and wedding photos. “It’s incredibly special to us and holds pride of place in our home.”

The artists also defended his practical choice of a backpack, despite a TikTok trend suggesting it signifies poor life choices. “I’m nothing if not practical,” he explained. “As an artist, I’m always carrying things around. A good sturdy backpack is the best way to do it”

Image: Profile of Abdul Abdullah. Courtesy of the artist and The Guardian.