Innovation in Three Parts

This exhibition celebrates the art of Aboriginal artists in Central Australia through the Araluen Collection and under three distinct themes:

TJORITJA +MPULUNGKINYA

Tjoritja +Mpulungkinya highlights the strength of the Hermannsburg School of Art through a geographical experience of Western Arrernte Country. Beginning at Ntaripe (Heavitree Gap) in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) the paintings traverse the Country through Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges) to Ntaria (Hermannsburg) and conclude at Mpulungkinya (Palm Valley). Lhere Pirnte (Finke River), one the oldest rivers in the world, crosses this Country and ends its journey at the enormous basin of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in South Australia.

EMERGENCE

Emergence celebrates the Western Desert art movement which emerged in 1971 at Papunya, and Papunya Tula Artists – Australia’s first Aboriginal owned company formed by the artists in 1972. The artworks presented from 1970s through to the mid-2000s highlight the evolution of the contemporary Aboriginal art movement. These paintings demonstrate innovation, diversity and importance of Western Desert art. It mirrors the success of the Hermannsburg School of art and together they have enabled the enormous momentum of the Aboriginal art movement that exists in Central Australia today.

MOMENTUM

Focusing on recent acquisitions by the Araluen Arts Centre these artworks demonstrates the momentum of the contemporary Aboriginal art movement in Central Australia. They span vast regions including the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in South Australia, the Ngaanyatjarra Lands and Great Victoria Desert in Western Australia as well the Tanami and Western Deserts and Mparntwe. The artworks, across a variety of media, are wonderfully innovative and diverse and highlight the artistic mastery of their creators. The artists confidently assert knowledge and strong connection to Country as they continue the momentum of contemporary Aboriginal art in Central Australia.