Elcho Island Artists

prints and sculptures

by

Margaret Gudumurrkuwuy
Tommy Minburra
Sandy Pascoe
Joe Manyguluma
Charmaine Ashley
Jeremiah Bonson
David Djarrka
Paul Buwang Buwang
Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi

Alcaston Gallery is proud to present Dhapirrk Djama, a remarkable group exhibition of new limited edition prints, Mokuy Spirit carvings and sculptures, including Morning Star Poles, from Elcho Island Arts.

Opening Event: Wednesday 2 December 2009, 6 “ 8 pm

Alcaston Gallery is excited to announce that Margaret Gudumurrkuwuy and Sandy Pascoe will be in Melbourne for the opening night, along with Dion Teasdale, Manager, Elcho Island Arts.

To RSVP please call the gallery on 03 9418 6444 or email us at rsvp@alcastongallery.com.au

Exhibition dates: Tuesday 1 December to Wednesday 23 December 2009

Dhapirrk Djama,is Yolngu Matha (local language) from Elcho Island which translates to ‘fantastic work’ and that is indeed the only way to describe this new and innovative work by Elcho Island artists.

Elcho Island is a place unlike any other on earth. Located approximately 550 km north-east of Darwin in the Arafura Sea, off the coast of north-east Arnhem Land in Australia’s Northern Territory, Elcho Island is blessed with a rugged yet beautiful tropical landscape – stunning beaches, aqua seas, cycad forests, unique wildlife and rare rock formations. It is home to the Yolngu people, and their rich and beguiling culture.

Over its history, Elcho Arts has developed a strong reputation for the quality of work produced by its artists; their respect of clan totems, originality of design and the use of traditional bush materials and natural earth pigments.

Art work produced by Elcho artists include Morning Star Poles (sacred mortuary poles adorned with feathers), Mokuy Spirit carvings and sculptures, fibre art such as baskets, dilly bags and sun mats, bark paintings and hollow logs, jewellery, limited edition prints and works on paper.