ARTS: Gamanuggu Ganalbingu: new works

from Ramingining Exhibition in Fremantle

til 23 April 2005
Indigenart, The Mossenson Galleries in conjunction with Bula'bula Arts Aboriginal Corporation
is proud to present an exhibition of new works from Ramingining. Gamanuggu Ganalbingu
features paintings by the Ganalbingu to coincide with the release of 10 Canoes, a new film
directed by David Gulpilil and Rolf de Heer.

Set in the fertile environs of the Arafura Swamp, 10 Canoes

explores the relationship of the Ganalbingu people to their
land. Following the hunters of the Magpie Goose a principle
totem of the Ganalbingu it reveals their sacred connection to
the life-giving Arafura Swamp. Comprising of over 200 square
miles of large fresh-water holes and marshland, the Arafura
Swamp is central to the physical and spiritual existence of the
Ganalbingu. Teaming with wildlife, birds, fish and insects, this
fresh-water swamp is a unique
area, and in 1994 it was listed on the National Heritage Estate.
It is this country that is lovingly portrayed in the paintings of
the Ganalbingu artists.

According to senior artist Charlie Djurritjini, "These paintings

are for Balanda (white people) and Yolngu. These paintings
are to show Balanda what my culture is. To show where my
country and Dreaming is from, and where my culture comes
from. I only paint from one place that¹s my country." By
focusing on the classification of environments and their
inhabiting species, these paintings explore the relationship
between the practical and spiritual identity of people and
things.

These representations of country and wildlife have earned the Ganalbingu a reputation as some
of Australia¹s most compelling and significant artists. Several of the artists included in
Gamanuggu Ganalbingu were involved in the landmark Aboriginal Memorial project for the
Australian Bicentenary. Now on permanent display in the National Gallery of Australia, the
Aboriginal Memorial has been described by the National Gallery¹s founding director James
Mollison as "one of the most important art works ever produced in this country." Moreover,
Mollison concluded that the artists of Raminginging were "some of the greatest figures working
in art today."

Filled with the power of their close cultural relationship to the landscape, the paintings of the
Ganalbingu express the continuing importance of Aboriginal values and perspectives to the
inhabitants of the Arafura Swamp.
Many of the artists included in Gamanuggu Ganalbingu have been painting at Ramingining for
almost three decades. Their work signifies a lifetime dedication to their country and culture.
Included in major collections in both Australia and overseas, the painters of Ramingining have
played a defining role in Australian art and culture of the last three decades.

Indigenart, The Mossenson Galleries, Fremantle is proud to present Gamanuggu Ganalbingu.

The exhibition features the work of Roy Burnyila, Charlie Djurritjini, Dorothy Djukulul, Graham
Milmarupuy, Shirley Banalanydju and George Pascoe Junior.

Gamanuggu Ganalbingu will be on show at Indigenart,

Fremantle until 23 April 2005.

For more information please contact

Indigenart on (08) 9388 2899 or gallery@indigenart.com.au.

Source: Indigenart