Contemporary Prints from Arnhem Land @ GRAG
Griffith Regional Art Gallery is proud to be hosting Balnhdhurr: A Lasting Impression - a touring exhibition, featuring vibrant and historically significant works by Yolngu artists from Northern Arnhem Land.
Balnhdhurr: A Lasting Impression will open at Griffith Regional Art Gallery on Friday 20th April at 6pm, all welcome.
Presented by Artback NT in association with Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, the exhibition celebrates the Yirrkala Print Space, located in a remote corner of Arnhem Land, where the ancient craft of printmaking has not only survived, but prospered for over 20 years.
With works from 50 artists, this exhibition includes prints that are historically significant, with some works dating back to the 1940s
Griffith Regional Art Gallery Manager Ray Wholohan said, “This exhibition is a vibrant acknowledgement of the creative energies, talent and commitment of generations of Yolngu artists who have utilised and pushed the boundaries of printmaking to share significant cultural and historical stories.
“The artworks also expose the important influence the introduction of bright acrylics had on the artists, which allowed them to explore a whole new genre of artistic storytelling in a joyous explosion of colour and expression,” said Mr Wholohan.
Balnhdhurr: A Lasting Impression is a union of cultures and time, allowing the broader community to experience the achievement of this sustainable, functional and thriving print studio operating in a truly isolated landscape.”
To coincide with this exhibition the Regional Art Gallery will host a number of public programs.
At 10am on Saturday 21 April Dr Denise Salvestro, Chair of ArtBack NT and an authority on the exhibition, will present a guided floor talk.
Master Printmaker and mentor to the Balnhdhurr Artists, Basil Hall, will be holding a printmaking workshop at the Gallery’s Lake Wyangan studio on Sunday 22 April, from 10am-4pm.
To register for the workshop or for further information, please contact the Gallery on 6962 8338.
Griffith Regional Art Gallery is located at 167 Banna Avenue, Griffith. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and weekends from 11am to 2pm.
Griffith Regional Art Gallery is a cultural facility of Griffith City Council and is proudly sponsored by McWilliams Family Winemakers
Image: from the Balnhdhurr exhibition
