Recently there have been several Indigenous Art exhibitions in Paris – Lena Nyadbi’s artwork was recreated on the roof of the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris, her community’s artworks (Warmun from the Kimberley) were exhibited in the Australian Embassy in Paris. Â Prior to this, the artwork of the founders of the modern art movement in Papunya were exhibited in Paris and their descendants’ paintings were hung in a nearby gallery.
Now, we have a very large survey show of Australian landscapes including a high proportion of Aboriginal artworks, hung in an exhibition at the Royal Academy in London. Â This exhibition has been 23 years in the making and has been curated in conjunction with the National Gallery of Australia. Â Reviews have indicated that the Aboriginal paintings are outstanding at the entry and make a dynamic initial impression.
As well, we are pleased for the descendants of Albert Namatjira – their work is to be exhibited at Southbank in London in early November in conjunction with performances of the play and various related events – organised by Big hART – with Lenie Namatjira and Kevin Namatjira painting on the stage during the performance. Â We met with Lenie on our recent trip to the Desert Park in Alice Springs and she told us it is the first time she will travel outside Australia although she travelled interstate with the play when it was originally performed in Australia. Â Triin and Di visited the country depicted in the watercolour painting featured here by Lenie – and while it almost seems artifical, we can attest that these ranges look exactly like this – pale sides and dark red cappings across the top. Â Astonishing country! Â Â We wish cast, crew and artists well!
Lenie Namatjira – Watercolour