Exhibition to feature historically important prints

An exhibition containing the works of 50 Yolngu artists from a print studio in a remote corner of Arnhem Land will go on display in the CDU Art Gallery next week.

CDU Art Collection and Art Gallery Curator Joanna Barrkman said Balnhdhurr – A Lasting Impression would celebrate more than 20 years of print production at the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre in Yirrkala.

“Balnhdhurr will be a vibrant acknowledgement of the creative energies, talent and commitment of Yolngu artists who have used and pushed the boundaries of printmaking,” Ms Barrkman said.

“It will showcase the Yolngu respect for clan and country, with many prints relating to the creation stories and Law as passed on by ancestors.”

The exhibition will run from May 12 until July 15 and feature 100 works of art.

Ms Barrkman said the exhibition would contain several historically significant works, including the Berndt Etchings series, inspired by the 1947 crayon drawings by the artists’ predecessors, and the String Figures Prints, which are a response to an archaeological collection from 1948.

Several pieces will reveal the impact that the introduction of acrylics had on artists.

“Acrylics allowed artists to explore a new genre of artistic storytelling that became a joyous explosion of colour and expression.”

Ms Barrkman said a further 20 limited edition prints from the Revolution suite would complement the exhibition.

“Revolution, which comprises works by artists ranging from well-established to young emerging, was acquired by the CDU Art Collection recently.

“Having been produced last year also to commemorate 20 years of print production at Yirrkala Print Space, we felt that this was the perfect time to display them at the CDU Art Gallery for the first time.”

Ms Barrkman said Charles Darwin University was delighted to co-present Balnhdhurr – A Lasting Impression with Artback NT in association with Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre.

Bitharr Maymuru, Munuynu Marika and Edwina Circuitt from Yirrkala Print Space will open the exhibition on Thursday May 12 at 11am. A floor talk will follow at 12 noon.

Balnhdhurr – A Lasting Impression is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government and the Australia Council for the Arts.

More about the exhibition can be found online at W: cdu.edu.au/artcollection-gallery/upcoming-exhibition