black + white | 2 july - 17 july

We are excited to announce that our July exhibition will be a diverse show of contemporary Indigenous artworks inspired by ancient Dreamings and the Australian landscape.

Included will be works by widely acclaimed artists Barbara Weir, Dorothy Napangardi, Nyilyari Tjapangati, Warlimpirringa Tjapaltjarri and Yinarupa Nangala. The work of these artists is featured in many of the major galleries and collections in Australia and internationally.

Geoff has recently travelled to the Northern Territory to commission works specially painted in black and white for this exhibition; most notably by artists not known for works in this colour palette. The stand out is this incredible 3m piece by the granddaughter of Minnie Pwerle, Charmaine Pwerle. This artwork will take pride of place in the exhibition.

Stay tuned - more information to come!

black + white | 2 july - 17 july

The Women of Papunya

their stories, their way

7 March - 29 March

When we think of the birth of the Aboriginal art movement, we instantly think of the humble settlement known as Papunya; of Geoffrey Bardon and of the original Papunya 'painting men'.

The men who began painting at Papunya in 1971-72 are considered the pioneers of Western Desert art.

Little did we know that the women of Papunya were watching on, and in later years would follow in their footsteps, capturing the hearts and imagination of the art world.

 

Ningura Napurrula, the sole female desert artist to paint the ceiling of the acclaimed Musee du quai Branly in Paris.

 This month we have dedicated our third level collectors' gallery to celebrate 19 of the ladies from Papunya, who showed the world it's not just the men who can paint, and honour the women who have made a profound contribution to the Western Desert art movement and international contemporary art.

 There are stunning museum quality works, such as this Ningura Napurrula piece, titled 'Wirrulunga' 

 

 As well as gorgeous examples of the artists' work, which won't break the budget!

         

Mitjili Napurrula Collaborative, Lily Kelly Napangardi & Linda Syddick Napaltjarri

There's also a few artists that will suprise you, such as Utopian artist Barbara Weir, who was working in the kitchen at Papunya and witnessed the birth of the Aboriginal art movement.

 

Barbara Weir Untitled 118 x 178cm 

While the artists' style and subject matter/dreaming stories may vary, there is a confidence and assuredness in their work which comes from a deep and intimate knowledge of culture and country - they are painting their stories, their way.

We hope you can make it to this delightful exhibition that is a 'must-see' for avid fans and collectors of Aboriginal art.

 

 
 'Grass Seeds'    120 x 182cm    Acrylic on Linen   Normally: $14,975  Sale price: $11,980

Barbara Weir is an extremely talented, inventive, creative, energetic and hard working artist, who paints in a number of different styles and who pushes her own artistic boundaries in doing so.

The cumulative effect of her amazing work ethic, the fact that she comes from Utopia (birthplace of Indigenous womens art and an area about 280km north east of Alice Springs), that she is part of a highly talented family (from her legendary mother, artist Minnie Pwerle, to a number of close relations who were/are respected artists), and not the least, the story of her own difficult life experiences at the hands of the white administration of the day (as a survivor of the 'Stolen Generation', has seen Barbara Weir become a highly collectible artist, and one who continues to grow in stature at a steady rate.

Along with the strong support of the dynamic Utopian community of artists, Barbara's career as an artist was inspired by the work of her adopted grandmother Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Emily's work had a profound impact on her and in the early 1990's she began seriously to explore her artistic talents. Highly experimental in her approach, Barbara tried many mediums and in 1994 went to Indonesia with other artists to explore the art of batik. This gave her new insights into her own process and she returned full of ideas on how to develop her own style. 

Barbara's works constantly draw upon her life force, her country, her ancestry and the ancient stories embodied in her Indigenous culture.  Whilst she paints in several styles, reinventing her voice at the same time, many of her styles are now almost iconic (such as her 'grass seeds' paintings, many of which are featured in this show).

This is a special exhibition, as we are offering  20% off the list price on all featured pieces until the 30th June.  The discount will not affect the artist's income of course, as she has already been paid in full for all the artworks, and in fact will recieve a further 5% Resale Royalty payment on all artworks sold in the show.  

Discounted price offers such as this are rarely offered on Barbara's Weir's works and of course you can pick up a well priced artwork from this opportunity.

Alternately, for those of you who have a philanthropic tendency, please be aware that our gallery now supports the charity 'Sugar in the Bush' in its work to educate and assist remote communities in dealing with Diabetes - a common and difficult to treat condition for Indigenous people, especially in remote areas. Many of our artists suffer from this condition.  This is just one way in which we choose to give back to the Indigenous people who create our beautiful artworks.    

Clients are therefore offered the opportunity to donate all or part of their price discount to 'Sugar in the Bush':  If you do so, your name will be forwarded to the charity along with your donation and tax receipts are available for all donations.

We do hope you will make it along to this special exhibition - enjoy a complimentary glass of wine from our bar and spend some time enjoying Barbara's works as well as the everchanging paintings on show in the rest of the gallery.  We look forward to seeing you soon...