Numerous artwork types by 9 artists from a small and discrete Aboriginal neighborhood on the west coast of Cape York peninsula come collectively on this new exhibition introduced by Brunswick Road Gallery and Wik & Kugu Artwork Centre; ‘Aak Puul: Artwork From The Wik & Kugu Area’.
Among the many vibrant ochre and acrylic work by Devena Wikmunea, Leigh Namponan and Janet Koongotema, are a set of iconic camp canine sculptures by Leo Namponan, Bruce Bell, Keith Wikmunea, Leigh Namponan, Lex Namponan, Roderick Yunkaporta and Bevan Namponan.
Via the illustration of the distinctive visible arts apply belonging to the 5 clans who stay on Aurukun, this exhibition aspires to reveal to Melbourne audiences the unity and power of Wik & Kugu tradition.
Keith Wikmunea, senior Wik-Alkan artist explains, ‘”Aak Puul” refers to at least one’s Tribal Nation or Homeland. It’s a time period that particularly pertains to an individual’s father’s Nation, and his father’s earlier than him. Aurukun’s visible artwork is intrinsically tied to Aak Puul which finds its expression in an historic performative cultural custom of track and dance.’
Keith’s work within the exhibition, ‘Thiikel – Kencharang Croc’ and ‘Ku’Kencharang’ (a big crocodile and barking canine made out of conventional physique paint designs and ochre on Milkwood) have been created to enhance a set of putting up to date work by his daughter, Devena Wikmunea.
Collectively, the daring up to date artwork of the ladies in Aurukan and the equally vibrant sculptures by the boys are a part of a cultural continuum rooted within the ancestral previous.
Keith says, ‘Earlier than time, our outdated folks carved all their totems together with crocodile, echidna and kangaroo. Every carving has a relationship to a Story Place referred to as Awa’. There are many Awa’ throughout the Wik & Kugu Lands. These locations are forbidden to the uninitiated and are thought of Ngench Thayan (Sacred Place). The lads’s and ladies’s artwork types from Aurukun are all linked to those locations. Once we carve our totems, we’re sharing our tales from these necessary locations’.
‘Aak Puul: Artwork From The Wik & Kugu Area’ is open from 15 September to 2 October at Brunswick Road Gallery.
Be taught extra concerning the exhibition right here.
Brunswick Road Gallery
Stage 1 & 2
322 Brunswick Road
Wurundjeri Nation, Fitzroy VIC
