Aboriginal Australians from the northern Kimberley are sharing their histories at a distinctive art and digital storytelling exhibition presented by Flinders University City Gallery.
Developed by Kimberley Aboriginal Artists in partnership with ABC Open, In the Saddle – On the Wall chronicles the diverse and complex experiences of cross-cultural contact brought about by white settlement of the region and the establishment of the cattle industry in the late 19th century.
After contributing to the growth and success of the industry for almost 100 years, Aboriginal people were forced from their traditional lands and livelihoods as stockmen and women by Pastoral Industries equal wages legislation in 1968.
Since then, artmaking and storytelling have been key to the maintenance of cultural practices and the transmission of cultural knowledge through the generations.
In the Saddle – On the Wall brings these elements together, and features significant paintings and works on paper by some of the region’s biggest names — Gordon Barunga, Alan Griffiths, Peggy Griffiths, Mabel Juli, Minnie Lumai, Patrick Mung Mung, Shirley Purdie, Rammey Ramsey, Mervyn Street, and honours the late Manmara Daisy Andrews, Stan Brumby, Peter Newry and Freddie Timms.
Vibrant painted works are presented alongside digital media combining photographs and audio interviews with the artists; revealing deeply personal, sometimes tragic, and often very funny accounts of earlier times.
“The fusion of language and art that gives voice to Kimberley artists and their families in this exhibition, makes for a powerful and compelling statement of cultural resilience,” says Director of Flinders University Art Museum, Fiona Salmon.
In the Saddle – On the Wall runs until Sunday 25 June 2017 and is presented as part of the 2017 DreamBIG Children’s Festival.
An accompanying exhibition catalogue is available for purchase at the City Gallery shop.
Where: Flinders University City Gallery, State Library of South Australia
North Terrace, Adelaide
When: Tuesdays to Fridays from 11am-4pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4pm
artmuseum.flinders.edu.au