A remarkable exhibition of prints produced by senior Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists from a residency at Blue Mud Bay in Eastern Arnhem Land has opened at The University of Queensland Art Museum on 13 April.
UQ Art Museum Director Dr Campbell Gray said the exhibition, Djalkiri: We are standing on their names – Blue Mud Bay, was the culmination of a vibrant and intensive cross-cultural exchange between five Yithuwa Madarrpa artists and four other artists from across Australia.
In October 2009 artists Djambawa Marawili, Marrirra Marawili, Liyawaday Wirrpanda, Marrnyula Mununggurr and Mulkun Wirrpanda participated in a printmaking workshop with master printmaker Basil Hall at the community of Yilpara, working alongside visiting artists Fiona Hall, John Wolseley, Jörg Schmeisser and Judy Watson.
“The project was visionary in not only providing the visiting artists an opportunity to discover the beauty and significance of Blue Mud Bay and surrounding country, but also in allowing Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to engage with and learn from each other,” Dr Gray said.
The word Djalkiri (pronounced jul-kree) is drawn from the words of Djambawa Marawili.
Djalkiri literally means ‘footprint’, but when applied to Yolngu law it takes on a more profound meaning, forming the ‘spiritual foundation of the world’.
The title acknowledges cultural inheritance based on understanding and mutual respect. It is about walking together in the footsteps of the ancestors.
During the cross-cultural exchange at Yilpara, the artists made trips to country, visiting ancestral sites and sharing traditional and scientific knowledge in the company of ethno-biologist Glenn Wightman, anthropologist Howard Morphy and photographer Peter Eve.
"Around the campfire at night they discussed culture, history, sea rights and events, with each of the artists responding to the experience in their own way," Dr Gray said.
“The works resulting from this exchange capture essential aspects of country at Blue Mud Bay in Eastern Arnhem Land, recognised as one of the most pristine and culturally significant places in Australia,” he said.
The exhibition, featuring more than 20 prints, is at the UQ Art Museum until 23 June 2013, and is accompanied by a 44-page Djalkiri: We are standing on their names – Blue Mud Bay publication.
A touring exhibition from Artback NT: Arts Development and Touring in conjunction with the Australia Council for the Arts and Northern Territory Government Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport.
The following organisations have generously supported this project: Artback NT: Arts Development and Touring; Nomad Art; Gordon Darling Foundation; Northern Territory Government; National Science Week; Myer Foundation; Australia Council for the Arts.
Public program:
Friday, 19 April 5pm – 6pm
Join artists Djambawa Marawili and Judy Watson, and coordinator of the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, Kade McDonald for a tour of Djalkiri: We are standing on their names – Blue Mud Bay Before the exhibition opening. http://www.artmuseum.uq.edu.au/djalkiri
Media: Those participating in the public program will be in Brisbane for the exhibition opening on Friday 19 April. Images: Download high res and low res images for news and review here
Media contact: Michele Helmrich, Associate Director (Curatorial), UQ Art Museum, 07 3346 8759, 0418 754 983, m.helmrich@uq.edu.au, Sebastian Moody (Contact for images and to liaise for interviews, Monday to Thursday only), Digital Communications Officer, UQ Art Museum, 07 3346 8761, 0419 789 006, s.moody@uq.edu.au.
