Mapping Country

Gannon House Gallery

Jan 24 2021 - Feb 28 2021

Desert artists paint the contours of the landscape to record and teach future generations about the places their ancestors travelled and performed ceremonies. Although highly abstracted to the uninitiated they reference particular places in the desert.
This collection of work by Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Yiarupa Nangala, Warlungkurra Napanangka, Ningura Napurula, George Tjungurrayi, Willy Tjungurrayi and Patrick Tjungurrayi are some of the finest examples of the contemporary desert art style. Each artist paints an area related to stories handed down to them through familial lines and captures not only the contours and formations in the land but hints at the purpose of the area. i.e place where something was created, a ceremony performed or a good water source.
The colours are both vibrant and earthy, reflecting the changing light on the desert landscape, often with flashes of purples and pinks.
Despite their early life in remote Australia their artwork seems to translate to international audiences with several of the artists traveling to Europe and the US for solo exhibitions of their work. For many their work has also allowed them to contribute the the improvement of their communities through fund raising and advocacy for services.
Come down to the gallery or view the exhibition online.