Konrad Winkler: red earth and chalk dust, a retrospective

In the mid-1970s the photographer, teacher and artist Konrad Winkler spent three years capturing life in the Northern Territory in all its chaotic glory.

Winkler was one of many fresh young teachers wanting to head bush, to make a difference and get away from the world. Posted to Areyonga/Utju, a community west of Mparntwe (Alice Springs), he understood teaching in theory but not in practice and had to learn on the job. Lacking a car or a driver’s licence, he used photography and a regular supply of Camel cigarettes to help fill his days. 

A week after Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin, Konrad began a new role in the destroyed city as photographer for the Department of Education. With accommodation in short supply, he slept in a space behind the department’s photocopy machine. He saw his job as “going bush wherever I liked, whenever I liked and photographing whatever I liked”. 

By his own account, Konrad would leave the office with his Leica camera, join whatever was going on and photograph what happened next. “And that was it”. Yet the results that emerged from Konrad’s homemade darkroom were always unique and at times surreal. It’s impossible to tell whether he was a magnet for fun, unpredictable and dangerous activities – or whether the Territory he encountered was simply full of them.

Konrad Winkler: red earth and chalk dust shows the Territory at an unusual time, in an unusual light, through the eyes of an unusual man.

Library & Archives NT is proud to offer the first showing of Konrad Winkler’s work in the Territory.

Acknowledgements
Library & Archives NT thanks Lydia Angus, Renita (Anawari) Winmarti, Margaret Poulson, Tjipowa Meneri and Sandra Windy, with support from Shanti Doolan and Leanne Goldsworthy from the Areyonga/Utju community. We also thank Arlpwe Art Centre, Barunga School and Sue Reaburn, Liz Walker and Cathy McGinness from the Aboriginal Education Mob; Dr Wendy Garden, Doug Collins, Ken Conway, Charlie Ganley and Ted Whiteaker; and the NT Department of Education and Darwin Languages Library for their contributions to this exhibition.

Image: Konrad Winkler, 'Hunting Long-Necked Turtles', 1976, Lower Top End, Library & Archives NT, Konrad Winkler Collection.