A new exhibition of bark paintings and larrakitj (memorial poles) drawn from the collections of La Trobe University will open at La Trobe Art Institute next week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The exhibition Miwatj presents the work of five highly respected senior Yolngu leaders: Birrikitji Gumana (c.1898- 1982), Dr Gumana AO (c.1935-2016), Mithinarri Gurruwiwi (c.1929-1976), Narritjin Maymuru (c.1916- 1981) and Wandjuk Marika OBE (c.1927-1987).
These senior men were highly respected community leaders and embraced the act of painting as a means of communicating Yolngu culture with non-Yolngu people.
Beyond their aesthetic vibrancy and diversity, this collection of paintings provides a small insight into the complexity of Yolngu culture and the significant role that painting has played in asserting Yolngu sovereignty and custodianship over the Miwatj region.
The exhibition will run from Tuesday, May 29 until Saturday, July 7.
