Luka (Mud) 13 June “ 4 July 2009

In their second joint exhibition, husband and wife Tommy and Dorothy May present colourful new paintings of their country, The Great Sandy Desert. A beautiful large canvas was painted jointly , with Tommy showing sandhill – and Dorothy rockhole country.

Ngarralja Tommy May was born in 1935 at Yarrnjurnja and lived a traditional life before he had contact with white people. He is regarded as important for art and culture in Fitzroy Crossing and was the Chairman of Mangkaja in the past. Tommy May is currently an executive for the Association of Northern Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists (ANKAAA). He dances and sings Kurtal, a ceremony relating to a main jila (living waterhole) in his country. Milinti Dorothy May was born in 1950 at old Cherabun Station and her parents often took her to their country Yakanarra.

Tommy and Dorothy live with their children at Mindi Radi Community. They travel to their country together and paint at Mangakaj Arts in Fitzroy Crossing. Tommy May is also a printmaker and his work is held in many important public collections including the National Gallery of Victoria. Dorothy was winner of Best Work on Paper, in the 1995 Telstra National Aboriginal Art Award.

The exhibition Luka (Mud) opens on Saturday 13 June from 3-5 pm and runs until 4 July at Brigitte Braun Gallery, 4 White Street, Windsor. Tommy May will be present at the opening . Gallery hours are Wednesday “ Saturday 1- 4pm and by appointment.

For more information please contact Brigitte Braun on 03 95212324 or
0417184260. Artists’ CVs and images can be seen on www.artplace.com.au.
High resolution images are available on request.