ACROSS SKIN + STORIES FROM TITJIKALA
Japingka Gallery announces Two exciting new Exhibitions opening at the same time on the 14th October, 2005, that depict two very different and contrasting themes:
In Gallery One: “Across Skin”. Japingka Gallery is mounting an innovative new exhibition
“Across Skin”
Japingka Gallery has curated an eclectic collection of major works by some of the best Indigenous women artists from the Western Desert that looks at the relationship between different “Skin or kin Groups and the specific Dreamings that are associated with those Skin Names. Featured Artists include:
Walangkura Napanangka, Makinti Napanangka, Judy Watson Napangardi, Eunice Napanangka, Lorna Napurrula Fencer, Kim Napurrula West
Traditional Aboriginal society is very complex and is structured by a number of systems that organise all aspects of life and help to give an individual their sense of place in society and in their country. These systems vary across the country but most include kin groups and "moieties". An individual person is placed through birth in a kin group (or "skin name") People and all the features of the natural and spiritual world belong to one or other of two moieties. These systems (kin groups and moieties) jointly help to determine many aspects of social or religious behaviour.
Whilst there are many complexities involved with this structure, in the Western Desert, the custody of a particular dreaming story and the right to paint it is determined by tribal skin relationships ("skin names"). There are eight male skin groups (starting with T) and eight female skin groups (starting with N).
Each man or woman can paint or otherwise discuss his personal Dreaming as he/she inherits it, or as is permitted by custom. While the ownership of the story is strictly demarcated by tribal skin groups, each one can be part of a much greater story and might overlap with other stories from other tribes. The skin system is complex, but it is essential to a proper appreciation of the way that custody of dreaming stories is established - and the factors which influence the work of an artist.
“Across Skin” examines the complex relationships between a particular Skin Group and how it is applied to the specific “Dreamings” that are associated with that Skin Group. In a society that did not possess a written language, Art became one of the most important mediums for passing on received knowledge to the next generation.
“Across Skin” is not only very informative, but features some of the best and most spectacular artworks associated with the various Skin groups. It is a ground-breaking exhibition by some of the best and most collectable of the senior artists from the Western Desert. It is one of the most important exhibitions to visit Perth. This Exhibition is not to be missed!
“Stories from Titjikala”
This beautiful exhibition of small (30cm x 30cm) paintings from the Titjikala Community features forty colourful, joyful paintings that celebrate the diversity of life in the Central Desert. Stunning, bright blue skies over Central desert Hills and trees sit right next to paintings of emus, kangaroos as well as paintings that depict the unique, bold, wild flowers from the region.
Titjikala is a small community located about 130 km south of Alice Springs, and has a population of approximately 300 people, whose primary languages are Luritja, Arrernte or Pitjantjatjara. The community is also known as Tapatjatjaka or Maryvale.
Arts and crafts have been produced by the community and marketed through the Titjikala Arts Centre, which include paintings, batik, woodcarving, block printing on fabric and silk painting. Titjikala Artists are also working on ceramics and wire sculptures that include animal and bird representations inspired by the surrounding environment.
The four artists featured in this remarkable exhibition are: Christabella Briscoe, Dora Wari, Marie Shilling and Hazel Ungwanaka. This joyful exhibition serves as a perfect foil to the large sweeping canvasses depicting the Skin Dreamings associated with “Across Skin” showing in Gallery one and together they offer the viewer a diverse range of styles and experience from two very different regions..
Preview these Two amazing new exhibitions online @ after 13th October, 2005.
“Across Skin” + “Stories from Titjikala”
Opens at 6.30pm on Friday the 14th October, and runs seven days a week
until 20th November, 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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