Kunmanara Kawiny – Kapi Tjukula, 2010.
© the Artist. Courtesy Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute inc.
As an echo to IDAIA’s exhibitions Strong women country presented in Paris (France) on October 2012 and the wonderful touring exhibition Gestuelles – The art of transmission by Aboriginal desert women supported by the Embassy of France in Australia, this exhibition focus on the work and leadership role of strong desert women artists.
This ground-breaking exhibition of Indigenous women’s contemporary art from the Central and Western Deserts was originally curated to celebrate the Centenary of International Women’s Day in 2011. The works are from the Sims Dickson collection. The exhibition includes vibrant acrylics on canvas, gorgeous baskets and sculptures woven from desert grasses, a selection of innovative works on paper, “soft sculptures” from Alice Springs made of recycled and dyed blankets, batik from Ernabella and beautiful carvings.
“Women’s art always strikes a deeply resonant chord, and I think this exhibition in particular will be seen as a landmark”, said Virginia Mitchell, Director of the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery, where the exhibition was first shown.
Through their art, these women keep home and family together – keeping stories alive – keeping camps and communities functioning. The sale of their works through the art centres of remote communities and town camps provide the artists with the financial independence to feed, clothe and school their children and grandchildren. The works in Strong Women Strong Painting Strong Culture are the means by which these women communicate their stories of Country, kinship, and culture to younger generations. As such, the work is of huge cultural significance.
“It’s very appropriate that this exhibition was curated in celebration of the 100th anniversary year of International Women’s Day”, said Deborah Sims, co-curator of the show. “This is a living, breathing art movement overflowing with innovation and energy. 70 works by more than 50 women artists are included here and we’ve barely scratched the surface”.
The exhibition includes work by some of Australia’s most acclaimed and respected artists including Eileen Stevens, Doreen Reid Nakamarra, Wingu Tingima, Kunmanara Kawiny, Niningka Lewis, Tali Tali Pompey, Tjaruwa Woods, Ruby Williamson, Myra Cook, Narputta Nangala Jugadai, Tjapartji Bates, Maggie Watson Napangardi, Millie Skeen Nampitjin and Jean Burke.
Source: Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute inc.