The Lumen Seed sensitively depicts a cultural dialogue taking place
before a backdrop of offenses against the Australian continent, as well
as a history of systematic discrimination against indigenous peoples on
the part of the country's white population. The images, created by
Australia-based artist Judith Crispin in close consultation with
indigenous people, document an attempt by the Warlpiri group to share
sacred information with white people; the poems convey the artist's
interpretation of those ideas, alongside her development of personal
relationships with community elders.
Judith Crispin returned to Australia in 2011 after living and
working in Germany for several years. Since that time she has driven the
8000km round trip from her home in Canberra to the remote community of
Lajamanu many times and established a close relationship with the
Warlpiri community there. Crispin has a background in music composition,
poetry and photography.