Selected artworks from the University's Indigenous Art Collection

In celebration of National NAIDOC Week – 2nd to 9th July 2006, Murdoch University’s Art Collection is proud to showcase:

Selected artworks from the University's Indigenous Art Collection Murdoch University Art Gallery Level 4, North Wing Library Building, South Street Campus 28 June to 25 August 2006, 10am - 5pm daily Closed Sunday 2, 9, 16 & 23 July

Artwork credits: (left to right) Trustworthy (difference), Analysis of Personal Image and Hotels Bars (exclusion) 2005 Gilclee print on paper by Brenda L. Croft © Purchased by the Art Board, 2005

For centuries, generations of Indigenous Australians have handed down cultural knowledge and technical art and craft making expertise. This rich tradition has ensured each successive artist has been able to tell dreaming stories through an individual aesthetic informed by a complex history.

This exhibition showcases a diverse selection of artworks from Murdoch University’s Collection of Indigenous Art.

Emphasized are several of the Collection’s major sub-themes. Works on paper, including limited editioned prints and drawings have long been a focus of the University’s general Art Collection. This is paralleled within the Indigenous Art Collection with an extensive range of print based material including, etchings, linocut, silkscreen and photo-digital mediums.

In addition, traditional sculptural objects including digging sticks, barks, engraved slate rocks and Pukumani poles are juxtaposed between contemporary artworks that represent both current issues of young urban artists and traditional dreamings from Western Australia, Central Australia, Northern Territory.

Many individuals have contributed to the development of Murdoch University’s Indigenous art collection since its inception in 1976. The Murdoch University Community thanks these inspiring individuals for their generosity, expertise and care which has nurtured the collection’s growth.

To find out more about National NAIDOC Week 2006 visit: http://www.naidoc.org.au/.
To find out more about Murdoch University’s Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre visit: http://wwwkulbardi.murdoch.edu.au/.