For over 35 years, First Nations’ Aboriginal artist, elder, educator and performer, Walangari Karntawarra has painted his Dreamtime stories. These are known in his language as the Jukurrpa. He paints only the following Jukurrpa: Snake, Honey Ant, Witchetty Grub, Centipede, Caterpillar, Water, Fire, Emu, Kangaroo, Mouse, Rainbow, Milky Way and the Seven Sisters. He has either inherited these Jukurrpa or its living custodian has given him permission to paint it. He also paints generic stories like bush tucker, bush medicine, and teaching-learning stories and songlines.
Official opening:
Tuesday 4 July 2023, 4pm
Guest Speaker:
Robyn Ross, Portrait artist
Smoking ceremony and performance by Walangari Karntawarra & Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo
RSVP: Monday 26 June 2023
Bookings are required for the opening.
exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Artist Talk
Join Aboriginal artist Walangari Karntawarra for his artist talk at his current exhibition at the Ironbark Gallery, at Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub on Sunday 6 August, at 10.30am.
NAIDOC Week with Walangari Karntawarra runs until 27 August and is an exhibition of his unique oeuvre. Arrernte elder, educator and international award-winning artist, Walangari uses his art as a means of authentic cross-cultural communication. Walangari delights in explaining his peoples spiritual and cultural beliefs. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear his fascinating stories about his art, his people and their culture.
- When: Sunday 6 August, 10.30am – 11.30am
- Where: Ironbark Gallery – Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub
- RSVP: bookings are essential and can be made by emailing exhibitions@strathfield.nsw.gov.au
Exhibition
27 June – 27 August 2023
Strathfield Library & Innovation Hub
Left Image: (Detail) Walangari Karnatawarra, Water Dreaming Rock Holes 2020 acrylic on canvas
Right Image: As well as being an artist and elder of the Arrernte nation of Central Australia, Walangari Karntawarra is also a popular performer and cultural educator. He plays didge and leads his troupe, Diramu Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo.
Exhibition Overview
Media Release
Video of Exhibition
Q&A with Artist