Annandale Galleries is proud to present an exhibition of the work of leading contemporary Australian artist, John Mawurndjul.
Mawurndjul has received global recognition for his work and is without doubt one of the most pre-eminent Aboriginal artists working today. Far from settling into a simple signature style his painting has consistently evolved, showing an immense degree of innovation. His work was recognised as a landmark in contemporary painting, when in 2003 he became the first Aboriginal artist to win the prestigious Clemenger Contemporary Art Prize at the National Gallery of Victoria.
In his third solo show at Annandale Galleries since 1997, Mawurndjal presents paintings related to his country that he calls ˜Mardayin’, as they relate to Mardayn body painting designs. However his execution of such themes has taken on an almost abstract expression in the western sense of the term. While the sacred stories and law are still depicted within, his work has clearly progressed from his first show at the Galleries in 1997, where his work consisted more of figurative images depicting crocodiles, rainbow serpents and dilly bags. A constant that runs through all of his work however, that is continued in this 2004 show, is perhaps Mawurndjal’s greatest talent; his ability to express a spiritual resonance within his painting.
John Mawurndjal was born in 1952 at Mumeka, and today is recognised as perhaps the greatest living Kuninjku bark painter. He belongs to a family of artists, including father Kalunba, and brothers Jimmy Njiminjuma and James Iyuna.
Lena Yarinkura was born in 1961 in South Central Arnhem Land. She became active as an artist in 1980, and has participated in over thirty group exhibitions since 1987. Her work is represented all over the country including the National Gallery of Australia.
Lena is best known as a fibre artist and sculptor. She is widely acclaimed as the most innovative Aboriginal fibre artist in the country. Included in this show, her subject matter consists of Yawkyawk spirits and various animal species from the region, including bandicoot, spotted bush quoll and bush rat.
Bob Burruwal was born in 1952 and is married to Lena Yarinkura, often working collaboratively with her. His work has also appeared in numerous group exhibitions. The centrepiece of his work in the Annandale show is a large fibre and wood crocodile, 3 metres in length.