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New art exhibition presents major indigenous works
21 July, 2004
The Art of Balgo: an exhibition from the Balgo Hills
The Art of Balgo is the first major Australian survey of work by artists from the Balgo Hills (or Wirramanu) situated on the edge of the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts and will be exhibited at the University of the Sunshine Coast Gallery from July 22.
The vibrant and dynamic images in earthy tones of red, orange and yellow will head up the semester two exhibition program for the University of the Sunshine Coast Gallery.
The Art of Balgo is a stunning exhibition of indigenous artwork on loan from the private collection of James and Wendy Cowan of Montville.
"The paintings reflect the sacred and spiritual connection that the Balgo artists feel for the land where they live," Mr Cowan said.
"Concentric circles, animal and human prints, body markings and implements such as coolamons and weapons record the events that capture a landscape filled with meaning for the indigenous inhabitants of Wirramanu to this day."
"Luminescence and brilliance of colour are considered to be signs of health, well-being and beauty, which is believed to have originated from the ancestral beings."
"This vitality, as well as a willingness to experiment is what distinguishes Balgo Hills art from that of other desert communities," Mr Cowan said.
Included in the exhibition are the paintings of acclaimed senior artists such as Eubena Muntja, Lucy Uukengbarri and John Mosquito as well outstanding works by a number of emerging artists from the region.
The paintings, 30 in all, depict aspects of the Dreaming and represent a connection with ceremony, life and land.
Included will be six photographs of the artists by Maleny photographer Colin Beard.
The Art of Balgo exhibition continues until Sunday August 29 and will be open during Festuri, an annual event held at the University featuring professional artists, music and dance performances, art exhibitions, fashion parades and foods from many cultures.
The University of the Sunshine Coast 2004 Gallery Exhibition Program is proudly supported by Coastline BMW.
Admission is free and the public is welcome.
Image: detail from Mati MUDJIDELL, Tjidjiwall, acrylic on linen
For further information, to arrange interviews or images please contact the Gallery Director or the Media Relations Coordinator.