Curated by celebrated curator, writer, artist and activist Djon Mundine, Three Echoes — Western Desert Art showcases works by 57 acclaimed artists heralding from Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff), Papunya and Utopia Indigenous communities in the western desert regions of the Northern Territory.
Artworks in this exhibition have been drawn from the private collection of Andrew Arnott and Karin Schack, and reflect the significant artistic developments and moments in time that contributed to the meteoric rise of the Western Desert Art movement.
These artworks hold special meaning for First Nations peoples, communicating important stories of tjukurrpa (Dreaming) and Country. The relationships within families and ancestors; with flora and fauna; and the unique land formations are the foundations of this art.
The exhibition is an initiative of Museums & Galleries Queensland.
Executive director Rebekah Butler said it featured some of the most renowned artists from Australia.
“Three Echoes — Western Desert Art features some of Australia’s most critically acclaimed artists, including Billy Stockman Tjapaltjarri, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Narputta Nangala Jugadai, Long Tom Tjapanangka, Dr George Tjapaltjarri, Gloria Petyarre and Emily Kame Kngwarreye,” Ms Butler said.
“We are proud to have developed and to be touring this stunningly beautiful Western Desert Art exhibition of paintings, prints and batiks and to share these works with Australian audiences.”
Three Echoes – Western Desert Art explores the poetic notion of echoes — how metaphorically and metaphonically we can echo a thought, a sentiment or a consciousness.
Curator Mr Mundine recalled being told by his father about the use of echoes in Bandjalung country.
“In the early 1970s, my father once told me of how, when he was a child in Bandjalung country, people coming along the river or through the woods would ‘coo-ee’ to announce their presence at certain places,” he said.
“Their voice would echo repeatedly, reverberating into the distance; to which the receiver would, ‘chant-like’, respond.”
In the 1970s, Australian Indigenous people from the desert began talking to the world through art, transferring their creation stories of the land and people to canvas.
Now, in the 2020s, this foundational echo is going back and forth. No longer a one-sided, outward calling, it reverberates multi-dimensionally within wider Australian and global communities.
Three Echoes — Western Desert Art is at Benalla Art Gallery until October 27.
A Welcome to Country and exhibition celebration will be held on Friday, August 16 at 6pm, while a curator’s talk by Djon Mundine will be held on Saturday, August 17, at 10am.
Numbers are strictly limited; however, places can be secured by emailing gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au
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