In a huge coup for Shalom Gamarada’s sixth annual Ngiyana Yana Aboriginal art exhibition, it has been announced that internationally renowned contemporary Indigenous artist Judy Watson will, for the first time, exhibit at the show -Â which runs from 27th June to 4th July 2010 at Shalom College, UNSW.
Scholarship founder Professor Dr Lisa Jackson Pulver said, “we are incredibly excited to have Judy Watson exhibiting, adding even more weight to what has been accomplished in previous years. Her works will contribute to a fantastic show.”
“In another triumph, we have sourced much-Âsought after Bagu with Jiman ceramic works from the Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre in Cardwell, Queensland.
“The Bagu with Jiman ceramic works were first revealed at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in August 2009 and Queensland’s Gallery of Modern Art snapped up almost all of their works at a recent exhibition, we’re hoping the NSW institutions will identify a similar opportunity to acquire such important works,” said curator Jenny Hillman.
This year’s exhibition offers audiences a unique opportunity to experience an incredible and diverse range of Indigenous art practice from across Australia. Judy Watson will exhibit alongside acclaimed artists including Regina Wilson, Weaver Jack, Jan Billican and Shorty Jangala Robertson, in what has become the largest contemporary Indigenous exhibition of its kind.Special feature installations this year include ˜Ghost’ ceramics from Girringung, wall installations especially commissioned from Yuendumu and Peppimenarti, a black and white wall from Utopia and for the first time, an exhibition of new work from the community of Martumili from the Pilbara.
Shalom Gamarada will showcase an extensive range of more than 120 artworks valued in excess of $1 million. All artworks will be available for purchase, with prices ranging from $150 to $25,000. Profit from all art sales contribute to The Shalom Institute’s residential scholarship programme for Aboriginal medical and health students at Shalom College, University of New South Wales.
The Shalom Gamarada scholarship program was set up in 2005 to support the enrollment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students attending the University of New South Wales and runs in partnership with the UNSW’s Shalom College and the university’s Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit. Since inception, the Shalom Gamarada Ngiyana Yana Aboriginal Art Exhibition has been able to support around 24 students to study medicine, optometry and medical science. Each scholarship is valued at $15,000 per year and covers full board and lodging at the College on the University’s Kensington campus allowing students to focus solely on excelling in their studies for the duration of their degrees.
The first Shalom Gamarada graduate, Dr Beth Kervin, is now working her internship after graduating in December 2009.
When: 27th June to 4th July 2010 11am until 7pm
Where: Caspary Conference Centre Shalom College NSW Barker Street, Kensington (Parking available Gate 14, Barker St.)
Cost: Admission is free For further information about 2010 Shalom Gamarada art exhibition, please visit www.shalomgamarada.org
Notes to Editors: Interviews are available with: ¢ Founder, Professor Dr Lisa Jackson Pulver ¢ Curator, Jenny Hillman ¢ Artist, Judy Watson ¢ Student, Josef Macdonald
For interviews, images or more information please contact: Sian Jenkins Mark Communications Ph: (02) 9775 7000
Email: sian@markcomms.com.au
About the Shalom Gamarada Scholarship Program
The Shalom Gamarada scholarship program is funded by the annual Shalom Gamarada Ngiyani Yana exhibition and sale of work by Aboriginal artists as well as some private and corporate sponsorship. The name of the program comes from the term “gamarada ngiyani yana” in the Eora language and translates to “We walk together as friends.” The word Shalom is a Hebrew word, meaning peace and is part of the name of Shalom College at UNSW. The program was founded in 2005 by Professor Dr Lisa Jackson Pulver, of the School of Public Health and Community Medicines Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit and Ms Ilona Lee AM, President of The Shalom Institute. Today, the partnership comprises the UNSW’s Shalom College and the Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit.
