A unique exhibition showcasing the fibre works created by women from the Arnhem Land community of Gapuwiyak comes to Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre from Friday 27 May 2011.
Women with Clever Hands: Gapuwiyak Miyalkurruwurr Gong Djambatjmala is the first exhibition to exclusively showcase the fibre work of Gapuwiyak women. Featuring 130 works created over the past 15 years the exhibition provides a unique insight into the social and cultural life of the artists and their community.
“An important part of the creation of these pieces is working together and sharing knowledge of technique and practice to inspire the next generation” says Dr Louise Hamby, exhibition curator. “This exhibition provides a fantastic opportunity to extend that tradition, inspiring the people of Melbourne through sharing works and stories of the women of Gapuwiyak”
All the works in the exhibition have been made from materials sourced from the local area around Gapuwiyak and include baskets, bags, mats sculptural figures and jewellery. These beautiful works combine simple, functional shapes with intricate design, fine detail and subtle colour, all of which reflect the complexities of their land and their culture.
“Women with Clever Hands is a wonderful illustration of the continuation of a traditional craft in one community” says Caroline Martin, Manager, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. “Seeing how the unique style of the Gapuwiyak works has changed over many generations provides a glimpse into the lives, community and culture of these extraordinary women”.
Women with Clever Hands: Gapuwiyak Miyalkurruwurr Gong Djambatjmala
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Melbourne Museum
Nicholson Street, Carlton
27 May to 28 August 2011
As part of the exhibition Women with Clever Hands there will a special opportunity to see a group of women from Gapuwiyak demonstrating their weaving techniques and traditional dying methods.
Demonstration with the women of Gapuwiyak
Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Melbourne Museum
Nicholson Street, Carlton
10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm, Saturday 28 May 2011
This exhibition is supported by Visions of Australia, an Australian Government program supporting touring exhibitions by providing funding assistance for the development and touring of Australian cultural material across Australia.