Papunya Tjupi 2016
Honey Ant Gallery is showcasing the immense talent of artists from central Australia’s most enduring remote arts hub – Papunya, the home of the Western Desert dot-painting movement.
Papunya has had a talent filled and tumultuous history since the dot-painting movement initially began in 1971, and then all but disbanded in the early 80s. Papunya was left without its own art centre for many years, but in 2007 the movement was revived with the formation of Papunya Tjupi Arts.
Women are currently artistically thriving in Papunya, this exhibition being dominated by their talents. Many of them are descendants of the founding members of the art movement; they capture ancestral stories on canvas and record them for future generations and the prosperity of country.
“The work is truly remarkable and such a credit to the art centre – the artists, their co-ordinator Helen Puckey, and also [eminent scholar] Vivien Johnson, who has played such a key role in the beginnings and profile development of the arts centre,” explained Lisa McLaren from Honey Ant Gallery.
“Papunya Tjupi Arts has always held a special place in out hearts [Honey Ant Gallery]. We have represented their work for many years, and it has been an absolute joy to see individual artists develop their style,” said McLaren. “The current work displays such confidence, sophistication and technical ability. The ladies of Papunya Tjupi Arts are very deserving of their growing profile, and we feel very honoured to represent their work.”
The exhibition will be officially opened this Saturday (Feb 13, 3–5pm) by Vivien Johnson, author of Streets of Papunya: the re-invention of Papunya painting. (AM)
TALKS: Rae and Warren Walker, of Honey Ant Gallery (Noosa), will share some of their incredible experiences traversing Australia’s desert centre. Feb 14 & 17, 11am. Spaces limited, to confirm attendance email Lisa at sydney@honeyantgallery.com
Feb 10–28. Weds–Sun,10am-4pm. The Incinerator Art Space, 2 Small Street, Willoughby. Free. Info: honeyantgallery.com
