"UTOPIA REVEALED"
Barbara Weir Portrait
Japingka Gallery is launching its 2005 Indigenous Fine Art Exhibition programme with an important exhibition of major new works by the leading artists from this
remarkable and remote Community (270 kms north east of Alice Springs). Japingka Gallery has c
`Country` - Betty Club
Japingka Gallery is launching its 2005 Indigenous Fine Art Exhibition programme with an important exhibition of major new works by the leading artists from this remarkable and remote Community (270 kms north east of Alice Springs). Japingka Gallery has commissioned some of the best and most sought after Artists from Utopia to paint a mixture of significant, large and smaller paintings depicting the Artists’ Country and the associated Stories for a new exhibition of stunning paintings in “Utopia Revealed” which opens at 6.30pm on Friday 11th February, 2005.
The Centrepiece of “Utopia Revealed” is a sweeping near three metre painting by Barbara Weir of the “Grass Seed Dreaming”. This painting sets the scene for this remarkable exhibition of over 50 original artworks of all sizes that explore the Mythology, Dreamings and Stories behind these beautiful and mesmerising paintings of Country.
The Community of Utopia has a very long history of artistic tradition and has produced some of the best-known Indigenous artists of our time. Including, nationally and internationally acclaimed artists such as the late Emily Kngwarreye, as well as Minnie Pwerle, Barbara Weir, Kathleen Petyarre and Gloria Petyarre. All of whom are now represented in our various State and National Galleries and major private collections.
With no written language, the Anmatyerre and Alyawarre people of Utopia traditionally passed on their ancient lore and knowledge through paintings, stories, song and dance and often a combination of all four mediums. With tens of thousands of years of painting tradition behind them, the women of Utopia enthusiastically embraced the new medium of Batik when it was introduced in 1978 under the Adult Education Programme by Jenny Green and Julia Murray.
The Women displayed a natural talent for using new mediums and their beautiful silk Batiks were exhibited internationally and now grace many major institutions. It wasn’t long before canvas and acrylic paints were introduced and Elder women such as Emily Kngwarreye and Kathleen and Gloria Petyarre (two of seven sisters who also took up painting at the time) were transforming the Indigenous fine Art movement with their ground breaking artworks depicting breath-taking aerial views of their Country and the Spirits that resided there and informed the landscape.
The rest of the Community was encouraged by the critical and financial success of these pioneer artists and a new and flourishing Art Movement was born. The Utopia Community has gone on to be recognized as one of the best artistic communities in Australia with many of the older original artworks now selling for tens of thousands of dollars.
The featured artists in “Utopia Revealed” include: Minnie Pwerle, Barbara Weir, Gloria Petyarre and Janelle Stockman as well as many other selected emerging artists. This exhibition of colourful and beautiful paintings is not to be missed.
“Utopia Revealed”
opens at 6.30pm on Friday the 11th February, and runs seven days a week until 31st March, 2005.
@ Japingka Gallery, 47 High Street, Fremantle
Gallery Hours are Mon - Fri: 10.00am 5.30pm. Sat: 10.00am–5.30pm Sun: 12.am–5.00pm.
Admission is free to the public.
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