Wildlife!: A celebration of Australia's Indigenous wildlife

From extensive, complex ancestral stories that relate the creation of the world according to Aboriginal mythology, to quirky secular depictions of birds and animals, Australia’s Indigenous artists have long depicted the country’s birds, animals and aquatic life. This exhibition comprises more than 50 works in a wide variety of styles and media by emerging and leading artists from the central and western deserts, the Kimberley, the APY Lands, Far North Queensland and Arnhem Land.

Some, such as the Wilma Poulson Napangardi, Cherylyn Napangardi Granites, Geraldine Napangardi Granites and Juliette Nampijinpa Brown from Warlukurlangu Artists of Yuendumu, NT have initiated special community/art programs to document the birds and other animals in their region; others, such as the Kimberley’s Betty Bundumarra and Arnhem Land’s Dallas Kelly and Terrah Djogiba Namarnkel combine dreaming stories with today’s hunting practices.

Tiwi carver Thomas Munkanome has become well known for his fine ironwood carvings of birds while artists of Buku Larrnggay Mulka in East Arnhem Land depict extensive creation stories in their beautiful larrakitj (ceremonial poles) as well as secular carvings of the birds and sea creatures which are an integral part to both creation times and life today.

Senior artists include Arnhem Land’s Billy Black and Linda Namiyal Bopirri, the Kimberley’s Shirley Purdie, the APY Lands Kaye Baker and Nyanu Watson, and Far North Queensland’s Fiona Omeenyo. Their work is shown alongside that of talented newcomers – especially notable being the vibrant naif bird paintings by young Ernabella artist Jeffrey Lewis.