The Araluen Art Centre in Alice Springs is gearing up to commemorate its 40th anniversary with a special exhibition featuring iconic works by renowned Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira. This milestone initiative is part of the Sharing the National Collection program, supported by the federal government, as a key component of Revive, Australia’s national cultural policy. Celebrating 40 Years of Art: Araluen Art Centre’s Landmark Exhibition
Under the program, the Araluen Art Centre will host four pieces by Albert Namatjira alongside works by five other key central Australian artists from the 1970s. This represents a significant cultural event as it marks the first loan of its kind to the Northern Territory through the Sharing the National Collection program and stands as the most extensive loan of Indigenous artworks to date.
The Namatjira works, on loan for two years starting from June 2024, include “Central Australian Landscape,” “Quarritana,” “Finke River (Organ pipes),” “Glen Helen Gorge from the south looking north,” and “Ghost gum.” Additionally, the exhibition will feature pieces such as “Sunrise chasing away the night” by Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri, “Egret Dreaming” by Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula, “Water Dreaming” by Tim Leura Tjapaltjarri, “Corroboree site two” by Timmy Payungka Tjapangarti, and “Big Corroboree Dreaming” by Old Tutuma Tjapangati.
Marion Scrymgour, Tiwi/Anmatjere woman and Member for Lingiari, expressed her excitement about the return of these artworks to Central Australia, stating, “The Territory has produced an extraordinary number of internationally renowned artists, whose works have captured the essence of our Country and culture.”
Malarndirri McCarthy, Yanyuwa woman and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Senator for the Northern Territory, emphasized the importance of sharing stories through art. “This is an opportunity for Australians of all ages to fully appreciate the ancient stories of the artists of the Desert Country,” she said.
The funding provided will cover expenses related to transporting, installing, and insuring artworks from the national art collection, making these works accessible to audiences across the country for extended periods.
Felicity Green, Director of the Araluen Arts Centre, welcomed the loan, stating, “These artworks, including key works by Albert Namatjira, have particular relevance to central Australia, and our audiences will have the opportunity to experience them within the region that inspired them, and alongside artworks from the Araluen Art Collection.”
Regional and suburban galleries interested in showcasing works from the National Gallery of Australia can register their expressions of interest via the NGA website. This exhibition promises to be a celebration of Indigenous art, culture, and the rich history of central Australia. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness these extraordinary artworks firsthand.
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Source: https://nit.com.au/07-05-2024/11257/northern-territory-loan-celebrates-indigenous-art-on-country
