PAST EXHIBITIONS

MARTUMILI

Hedland Inspired By Martumili Artists

On Friday 4 April, the Gallery hosted a massive party to welcome Martumili artists and their gorgeous exhibition to Hedland. Nearly 400 community members turned up to celebrate the opening night and mingle with the artists; the Gallery was a buzz with activity as guests gathered around conversation provoking pictures. Guests marvelled in the splashes of vivid colour on the white Gallery walls, brushings of deep reds, ochres, oranges, blues and greens, all depicting the collective and individual stories of the Martu, who have only in recent years commenced the telling of their stories through art making.

This exhibition is a collection of stunning new works from the Martumili Artists of the Western Desert, from Country that spans the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson Deserts in Western Australia’s remote east Pilbara region.

The Exhibition was supported by art works from the children of Parnngurr Community School and Rawa School Kunawarritji, which were also on display. The children’s art work was immensely popular, nearly selling out on the night with 100% of the proceeds from the sales of the children’s works went directly back to the schools.

The Gallery and guests were privileged and excited to have 12 of the artists attend the opening night, travelling from as far away as Punmu and Parnngurr. For their part the Artists were excited about the event, and eager to talk to guests about their art and their stories. During the speeches, excited to share their story and wanting to thank everyone for the night, the artists took turns in addressing the crowd.

Guests left energized, artists inspired, with a sense of community, inspired by the art that is occurring in our relative back yard that is the Western Desert.

As part of the Exhibition, the Gallery hosted a Return to Country session on the following day, facilitated by the Karninyinpa Jukurpa – Martu History and Archive Project. This was was a more laid back affair with 60 community members attending an informal session where the artists spoke about the importance of returning to country as part of their art making. This was a unique opportunity to meet and talk to artists and the artists immensely enjoyed the opportunity to share stories about their art.

The Martu History and Archive Project kindly brought along an artist database which was installed in the main gallery and available for visitors to use for the duration of the exhibition. This database provides a further resource, particularly to teachers who wish to bring their class to the Gallery as part of a school excursion.

The Martumili exhibition will be on show at the Gallery until 21 June, so please come by and view these wonderful works if you have not already done so.

Photography courtesy of Tom Carter and Christine Villanti