Good, Strong, Powerful! National Gallery of Australia is showing works by Kukula and others from Mwerre Anthurre artists in this show which runs until 15 January 2010. Check out these fascinating naive artworks by indigenous artists across Australia - all with some form of disability. You might like to check out the NGA's downloadable fact sheet too.
At Kate Owen Gallery, we have a number of Kukula's artworks in stock... and being very impressed by her works and those of fellow artists Adrian Robertson and Billy Kenda, we featured an exhibition of works from her art centre earlier this year. Kukula McDonald's works are presently focused on the wild black cockatoos of the Australian bush, and she captures the character and spirit of these unique birds perfectly (not an easy task, as many an artist who has attempted it can tell you!)
Kukula spends her life in a wheelchair and the first focus of her artwork was just that - Wheelchairs! She painted them relentlessly and it is said that she knows every make and model of every wheelchair owned by an aboriginal person throughout the country!
Now her focus is on the black cockatoos and their environment. A poignant subject as well, given that birds in artworks often represent a subconscious yearning for freedom. Her works are a unique and delightful representation of these cheeky outback characters by a gifted and plucky artist.
