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Palm Springs Hotel Dili
A permanent exhibition · Palm Springs Hotel Dili

A Journey of Resilience

The Return of "Suffering and Hope"

On permanent view at Palm Springs Hotel Dili — featuring the private collection of Mr. Jackson Lay.

Curator's note

Palm Springs Hotel is honoured to host a landmark exhibition of deep historical and emotional significance for Timor-Leste. This collection — acquired by our owner, Mr. Jackson Lay — represents a unique collaboration born during our nation's most difficult days.

I. The Story

Darwin, September 1999.

The concept for the Darwin–East Timor art project began as an initiative of the Karen Brown Gallery, emerging from the post-election crisis in East Timor and amid the influx of refugees and evacuees to Darwin in September 1999.

A discussion between Karen Brown and UNAMET human rights officer John Bevan became the starting point. John indicated his support, and the project officially began.

It developed as a gesture of welcome — from the Karen Brown Gallery to the impouring of visitors to Darwin, including East Timorese refugees, United Nations staff, and many other organisations, at a time when artists from around Australia were also visiting to attend the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award.

It was envisaged that, through the nature of artistic expression and collaboration, refugees and evacuees might find an outlet for their emotions and ideas, while other participants could express their support and welcome.

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"Through those images in paint, the pain and suffering of East Timor is represented alongside symbols of hope and solidarity."

II. The Collection

Twelve photographs from the exhibition as it sits today at Palm Springs Hotel Dili.

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Origin

Karen Brown Gallery

Darwin, Australia · September 1999

The artwork was created in dialogue with Karen Brown and UNAMET human rights officer John Bevan, as a welcome to the people arriving in Darwin during the East Timor crisis. Refugees, UN staff, official visitors and Darwin artists worked side by side. Through openness and willingness for exploration, the project emerged: collaboration, expression, renewal.

Visit

On permanent view, every day.

The collection is on permanent display in our public spaces. It is best experienced in person.

Reserve a stay
Beyond the hotel

Four escapes, one day at a time.

  • Cristo Rei of Dili
    ~20 min · panoramic
  • Atauro Island
    ~1 hour by ferry · diving
  • Maubisse highlands
    ~2.5 h · coffee country
  • Tais Market
    ~10 min · textiles