La Trobe Art Institute’s new exhibition Miwatj presents the artworks of five Yolngu leaders from north-east Arnhem Land, who sought to share their culture with non-Yolngu people.
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LAI curator Travis Hodgson said the gallery was privileged to be able to exhibit the unique collection of artwork.
“The exhibition is completely comprised of work from La Trobe University’s collections, collected by James (Jim) Davidson in the 1960s and donated to the university in 1983.” Mr Hodgson said.
The Miwatj exhibition is the first time this group of works have been exhibited in a gallery context as artwork.
“The exhibition displays the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of these particular works,” Mr Hodgson said.
Miwatj includes work by “highly respected” artists and Yolngu senior leaders Birrikitji Gumana, Dr Gumana AO, Mithinarri Gurruwiwi, Narritjin Maymuru and Wandjuk Marika OBE.
“This generation of artists were active during the 1960s and 1970s and were influential as artists, leaders and activists for Indigenous rights,” Mr Hodgson said.
“It was Narritjin Maymuru’s idea to bring various clan groups together to paint the Yirrkala Church Panels (1962-63), a masterwork that represented each artist’s clan country, a means of asserting sovereignty and custodianship over that country.
“This work was the fore-bearer to the Yirrkala Bark Petitions that were later drawn upon as evidence in the Gove Land Rights Case in north-east Arnhem land.”
The artworks on display at the Miwatj exhibition include a collection of bark paintings and larrakitj (memorial poles) which are used for remembrance and are decorated with unique clan designs.
“The materials used are unique to Yolngu artists, as they are sourced from the land which they represent,” Mr Hodgson said.
“The main thing we hope visitors gain from the exhibition is to broaden their understanding of the diversity of Indigenous culture in Australia and to rethink the way we look at artwork by this generation of artists, acknowledging the influence they continue to have on Yolngu artists making contemporary art today.
“We are extremely privileged and lucky to have the opportunity to have these artworks shared with us, made possible through the consultation provided by members of the Yolngu community and Buku-Larrnggay Mulka in Yirrkala.”
LAI would like to acknowledge the generosity of curatorial consultants Wukun Wanambi and Ishmael Marika in sharing their knowledge.
The official exhibition launch of Miwatj will be held on Thursday May 29 at 5.30pm and will be exhibited until July 7.
