Title

Yingarti Jilamara: A collection of Tiwi art from Jilamara Arts and Craft Association.

Venues

Marianne Newman Gallery. (3 June 2011 – 2 July 2011)

Date

(2011)

Summary

Multi-artist exhibition. Located: Australia (NSW). Paintings.

Country of context

Australia

Abstract

Yingarti Jilamara means ‘lots of art' in Tiwi Islander terms while jilamara also roughly translates into ‘design', and refers to the intricate, geometric, ochre patterning traditionally applied to the bodies of dancers, and to the surface of carved pukumani (mortuary) poles used during traditional burial ceremonies.

Tiwi art is distinctly different from other Aboriginal art as the Tiwi practise the art of body painting for ceremonial purposes. The patterning used is primarily decorative with an emphasis on strength of design and the individual rather than the narrative, as more usually painted on the mainland. Each artist's work is motivated by their traditions, and draws inspiration from their own dreaming dance and clan dance yiminga. For the Tiwi people, to sing is to dance is to paint.

Timothy Cook depicts his body paint designs from the Pukamani ceremony and the Kulama ceremony (yam ceremony). Timothy, whose distinctive style has received much attention in recent years, is collected by the National Gallery and most state galleries. He began to exhibit his designs in the late 1990s and has currently been selected as a finalist for the Western Australian Indigenous Art Award. Alongside Raelene Kerinauia (also showing in Yingarti Jilamara) he is also a finalist for the NATSIAA (National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award), to be opened in August.

Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri is considered an exciting and innovative young carver, with a developed skill and expertise beyond his years. He has always wanted to be an artist, and learnt his skills and the art of ‘pirikiringirri' (wood carving) from his late father, the respected and renowned carver Paddy Puruntatameri. Patrick's owls represent Tjurukukuni, the messenger for the Tiwi lovers Wai-ai and Taparra, guiding them to one another through the bush. It was following this act of infidelity that death came to the world and the Tiwi people.

Janice Murray is one of the youngest practicing Tiwi artists. Her work has been exhibited widely all over Australia since 1995. In 1996, she was commissioned to make etchings for the Crown Casino in Melbourne. Murray commonly depicts the Pukamani ceremony and also the flying fox and turtle in her designs. Her artwork varies from the other artists, as she not only intricately paints geometric lines and shapes, but also includes bold owl designs, thus evoking the traditional narrative of the two Tiwi lovers.

Tiwi art is recognised as being very attractive and highly collectable and Yingarti Jilamara is a beautiful and strong exhibition evoking the stories of Tiwi ancestors and their traditions. Artists also featured are: Dymphna Kerinauia, Brian Farmer Illortaminni, Linus Warlapinni, Tina Patlas, Valentina Puruntatameri, Margo Wommatakimmi, and John Pilakui. [Gallery media]