Walma is a Yolŋu word, translating as ‘to emerge’ or ‘rise’, particularly in relation to the sun and moon, thus embodying the confidence and optimism within the current generation of Indigenous artists, and their continuation of the world’s oldest living culture.

This exhibition presents black and white works by 18 of the brightest emerging and senior Indigenous Australian artists. By reducing the palette to monochromatic tones the exhibition allows forms, structures and symbols to emerge, highlighting the lines of country and designs of culture.

The exhibition features paintings, prints, sculpture, photography, fibre work and video from 8 remote community art centres, hung alongside the work of Penny Evans (Northern Rivers, NSW), Brian Robinson (Torres-Strait Islands, QLD) and James Tylor (VIC).

Iwantja Arts’ Betty Muffler and Mimili Maku’s Puna Yanima have painted monochromatic works on canvas specifically for this exhibition. Muffler is a three time NATSIAA (National Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander Art Award) finalist. Senior Papunya Tjupi artists Narlie Nelson Nakamarra and Doris Bush Nungarrayi also feature with large scale paintings, depicting their country in the Honey Ant Hills of the central desert region, NT.

The classic black and white motifs of Utopia are represented by Papunya Tula Artist Nyilyari Tjapangati. A group of powerful larrakitj (hollow log poles) from Buku Larrnggay stand next to the vibrant animated works of Vincent Namatjira, and a series of rare black bathi (baskets) from Margaret Rarru and Helen Ganalmirriwuy, of Milingimbi Arts and Culture.

Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander languages represented include:

The exhibition is timed to coincide with International Indigenous Peoples Day on Aug 9, the 2017 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and the 34th National Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander Art Award, and aims to celebrate the creativity, diversity and dynamism of the contemporary Indigenous art world. Koskela acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this place we now call Rosebery, Sydney.

The use of the name of the late Juwaliny / Walmajarri artist Peter Skipper, and display of his artworks, has been approved by the artist’s representatives via Mangkaja Arts, Fitzroy Crossing.
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