Huskisson to feature special Australian Indigenous art exhibition

Oct 22, 2003

Beyond the Walls - Australian Indigenous art from the University of Wollongong Art Collection -- is the first time that the University of Wollongong Art Collection has undertaken an exhibition concentrating solely on indigenous material held within the collection.

Since its inception in the 1980's the University of Wollongong Art Collection has actively acquired indigenous artworks through purchase and donation. The depth of its holdings reflects the diversity of practice and approaches within the diverse communities that make up the Australian Aboriginal nation.

The collection holds a vast number of works across differing media - from photography, textiles, paintings, sculpture and barks. It is particularly fortunate to have a substantial group of prints numbering over 150 items - which would make it one of the most important and large collections of Aboriginal prints held by any University in the country.

Works in this exhibition reflect the diversity of the collections holding - from Destiny Deacons 'Man in A Shirt' produced using photography and computer-generated printing techniques, to Dorothy Djukullul large bark painting 'Long Neck Turtles'. Of particular importance are prints by Alan Joshua from Ngukurr, Arnhem Land and Banduk Marika, Yirrikala, Arnhem Land, which were produced in collaboration with the University of Wollongong's Faculty of Creative Arts.

Recent purchase and donations by regional artists such as Vic Chapman, Ben Brown, Mona Brown and Esme Timbery demonstrate the living traditions and culture of the South Coast. Important additions to the Collection, these works of regional significance reflect the University of Wollongong's interaction with the cultural communities of the Illawarra.

'Beyond the Walls - Australian Indigenous art from the University of Wollongong Art Collection' is the first part of a major project that will take the form of a significant publication and exhibition that is planned to tour regional and metropolitan galleries in late 2004/2005.

Venue: Lady Denman Heritage Complex, Huskisson.

Dates: Exhibition dates are from 25 October to 16 November

For further information please contact Glenn Barkley, Curator, University of Wollongong Art Collection - glenn_barkley@uow.edu.au or phone 4221 5552.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128