Aboriginal Art
Aboriginal art and visual imagery is an essential part of Aboriginal life. Early artistic works known to date from at least 30,000 years ago include rock paintings, however body painting and ground designs would have also played a part in the very early periods. Aboriginal art was generally ignored by non-Aboriginals until recent years and has since been discovered by the international community.
It was not until a school teacher by the name of Geoff Bardon arrived at Papunya in 1971 that a change took place in Western Desert art. Bardon played a key role in encouraging and promoting the artwork produced at the government settlement. One of the artists to emerge from this time was Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. By painting the Dreamtime stories aboriginal artist are helping to resurrect their culture as a whole and allow outsiders to learn about one of the oldest cultures in the world.
Aboriginal culture is based on journey or tracks, and all their Dreamings refer to movement over great distance, the authorities under the government assimilation program had denied them their birthright to travel. Painting seemed to challenge the overwhelming atmosphere of repression and despair at the settlement. Their paintings make sure that aborioginal culture is not destoyed and that the traditional myths are not lost.
In the 70's and 80's many others were inspired to begin painting, some of these artist being : Willy Tjungurrayi and Gjeorge Tjungurrayi, Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Michael Nelson Tjakamarra (Jagamarra), Dr George Tjapaltjarri and Walala Tjapaljarri.
Since the mid-1990's women from around Alice Springs, most notably Kiwirrkura and Kintore, have commenced painting in thir own right rather than as assistants to their husbands. Some of these women are Ningura Napurrula, Mitjili Napurrula, Eunice Napangardi, Pansy Napangardi, Graice Morton, Minnie Pwerle, Gloria Petyerre, Ada Bird Petyarre, Barbara Napangarti Reid and Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi.
Katherine Art Gallery boasts the finest collection of Aboriginal Art in the area. The gallery holds a range of strong collections from the celebrated regions of Katherine,Arnhem Land, the Kimberleys and the Central Western Desert.
Many of the artists have had their works exhibited all over the world. Some of these artists are, Lorna Fencer Napurrula, Paddy Fordham Wainburranga, Sade Carrington and Malcolm Jagamarra.
Following is just a very small sample of the artworks Katherine Art Gallery holds. We also have available possibly the last piece David Blansai worked on before his disappearance. Please let us know your preferred tastes, styles, artists or price ranges. We are able to email you further images of any of the artworks.