Maningrida Arts, NT

Bark Paintings and Fibre Sculpture

14th May - 20th June 2008

Maningrida Arts and Culture has been representing artists from the Central Arnhem Land township and surrounding outstations since it was established in the early 1970s. Over the past three decades it has nurtured some of Arnhem Land’s most prominent bark painters, weavers and sculptors. Its artists belong to over ten different language groups, and the continually innovative practice of those working today has seen etching, screenprinting and metalwork added to the diversity of Maningrida’s creative output.

The centre has become widely known for its artists’ use of particularly fine cross hatching (rarrk), which originated as the ritual art of the Mardayin ceremony. The bark paintings featured in this exhibition display the characteristic dynamism and oscillating rarrk patterning created through the use of fine brushes and brilliantly coloured ochres. Ochres are found in deposits in the earth and are considered precious commodities; their use in painting can imbue the subject with a sense of the spiritual and lift the viewer out of the everyday. They are often associated with the activity of the Dreaming Ancestors.

The exhibition also features slim and delicately carved Mimih spirits and large female Yawkyawk spirits, expertly woven from pandanus fibres cooked up in baths of natural dyes. Fish traps, woven traditionally from jungle vines, create beautiful sculptural forms. Three dimensional fibre sculptures are also woven from natural materials, including bandicoots and the camp dogs which hold such a prominent position in local culture.

Senior and emerging artists are featured in this exhibition, including Melba Gunjarrwanga, John Bulunbulun, Tommy Gondorra Steele, Ivan Namirrkki, Bronwyn Kelly, Josephine Wurrkidj, Belinda Kuriniya, Dustin Bonson, Charlie Nangukwirrk, Stephen Kawurlkku, Marina Murdilnga, Lulu Laradjbi, Frewa Bardaluna, Indra Prudence, Mary Nalmalakka, Bonny Burarn.garra, Lena Yarinkura, Jorraine Cameron, Yolanda Rostron and Cecina Mardjuwa.

Hogarth Galleries would like to thank the artists and staff of Maningrida Arts & Culture for bringing this exhibition to Sydney.

Image above right:  John  Bulunbulun, Bakarra, natural ochres and fixative on bark, 143 x 70 cm, $8300 incl gst