Thursday, 23 May 2024

Don’t miss out on seeing an incredible exhibition of Western Desert art by 57 acclaimed Aboriginal artists this winter.

Three Echoes – Western Desert Art is touring nationally and will be on exhibition at Manly Art Gallery & Museum from 14 June to 28 July. 

Curated by celebrated artist, curator, writer and activist, Djon Mundine, the exhibition showcases works by critically acclaimed artists from the Aboriginal communities of Ikuntji, Papunya and Utopia, from the private collection of Andrew Arnott and Karin Schack.

The paintings, prints and batiks by critically acclaimed artists tell the stories of tjukurroa (Dreaming) and Country.

Featured artists include including Billy Stockman Tjapaltjarri, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Narputta Nangala Jugadai, Long Tom Tjapanangka, Dr George Tjapaltjarri, Gloria Petyarre and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. 

The exhibition explores the poetic notion of echoes – how metaphorically and metaphonically we can echo a thought, a sentiment or a consciousness. 

“In the early 1970s, my father once told me of how, when he was a child in Bandjalung country, people coming along the river or through the woods would ‘Coo-ee’ to announce their presence at certain places where their voice would echo repeatedly, reverberating into the distance; to which the receiver would, ‘chant-like’, respond,” said Curator, Djon Mundine OAM FAHA.

In the 1970s, Aboriginal people from the desert began talking to the world through art, transferring their creation stories of the land and people to canvas. Today, this foundational echo continues to reverberate within Australia and across the globe. 

Three Echoes – Western Desert Art is an initiative of Museums & Galleries Queensland. 

Three Echoes – Western Desert Art
14 June – 28 July 2024 
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly 
Open Tue – Sun, 10am – 5pm (closed Mondays & Public Holidays) 
Free entry

Members and Volunteers Preview
Friday 14 June, 10 – 11am
Bookings essential

Exhibition Opening
Thursday 20 June, 6 – 8pm
to be opened by curator, writer, artist and activist, Djon Mundine OAM FAHA
Bookings essential

Curatorial Exhibition Tour
Fri 21 June, 11am – 12pm 
Exhibition curator Djon Mundine OAM FAHA will talk about the Western Desert arts centres and artworks in the exhibition
Bookings essential

Three Echoes – Western Desert Art is an initiative of Museums & Galleries Queensland developed in partnership with Karin Schack and Andrew Arnott, and curated by Djon Mundine OAM FAHA. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through its Visions of Australia program and through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.  It is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, part of the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy. Museums & Galleries Queensland is supported by the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and receives funds from Creative Partnerships Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund. 

 

For more information visit www.magam.com.au