Beverly and Anthony Knight in conjunction with Bindi Inc. Mwerre Anthurre Artists, Alice Springs, Northern Territory proudly invite you to view:
Remembering Country
featuring
Adrian Robertson
Kukula McDonald
Seth Namatjira
Billy Kenda
Lance James
and
Billy Benn Perrurle
Opening Event: Wednesday 19th May 2010, 6 – 8pm
Exhibition Dates: Tuesday 18th May “ Saturday 19th June 2010
In the tradition of the great Aranda artist Albert Namatjira, these artists’ unique depictions of the landscape are mesmerizing, demonstrating a capacity for both nostalgia and innovation, and a deep understanding of colour. The artists’ approach to painting their landscape is based on memory, and a profound love for their country, with a freshness that embodies the richness of their cultural heritage.
Residing in Alice Springs these Mwerre Anthurre Artists only occasionally get to visit their country, as a result they paint their country from memory. Remembering and painting country becomes a bittersweet experience. It is a celebration of connection to place with each new painting reinvigorating their culture, contrasted against a sadness at their separation from such a significant space. Carrying the country within, Billy Benn says when he sees that country in his minds eye his spirit is there, and his spirit lifts. The paintings are imbued with such a sense of place the laws of time and space become circular as we the viewer are transported to this ‘country’.
Located in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Bindi Inc. Mwerre Anthurre Artists is a cross cultural human rights organisation which provides support and employment options. In 2000, Bindi supported the creation of Mwerre Anthurre Artists, an artist collective which focuses on encouraging the promotion of culturally relevant work options and art skill development for a number of employees who display a genuine interest in arts career development. ˜Mwerre Anthurre’ means ˜beautiful art’ and art made ˜proper way’ in the Arrernte language of Central Australia.
Mwerre Anthurre Artists are highly sought after, and collected by art lovers and institutions including National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Queensland Art Gallery, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and Art Gallery of New South Wales.
