Title

Inspired by Injalak. Prints based on the rock art of Injalak Hill, Arnhem Land.

Venues

Port Jackson Press Print Room. (20 July 2006 – 13 July 2006)

Date

(2006)

Summary

Multi-artist exhibition. Located: Australia (VIC). Prints.

Documentation

3 fold sheet catalogue

Country of context

Australia

Abstract

Port Jackson Press Australia in conjunction with Injalak Arts and Crafts Association are presenting an exhibition of etchings, inspired by images from the ancient rock art galleries of Injalak Hill. Located beyond the billabong to the east of Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) in Arnhem Land, Injalak Hill contains Aboriginal artwork thought to be over 40,000 years old. This imagery is culturally and spiritually significant to the Aboriginal people of the area. It is a protected site and new paintings are not to be added to the myriad of designs unless granted permission by the traditional owner.

In 2005, indigenous artists operating through Injalak Arts And Crafts Association focused strongly on the rock art site and the imagery of their forefathers. Printmaker Andrew Sinclair facilitated a group of artists to create a body of work on-site at Injalak Hill, enabling them to respond directly to the rock art. Creating work so strongly informed by this imagery is helping to continue both visual and oral traditions relating to the rock art site. The return to the origins of their art has been of particular significance to the artists involved, Graham Badari, Wilfred Nawirridj, Terrence Nabegeyo, and Gershoerm Garlngarr. The exhibition also features work by Bardayal ‘Lofty’ Nadjamerrek, Wesley Nganjmirra, and Allen Namaniyuo.

Andrew and groups of two or three artists ascended the Hill numerous times, taking with them large steel etching plates and sugar-lift etching materials. The recreation of this ancient artwork using modern printmaking techniques has resulted in a powerful set of images. Each print resonates with the strength and pictorial eloquence that characterises the rock art, while drawing beautifully on the particular mark making effects that the etching process can create. Marks on the plates made through their transport and rusting translate well in the printed image, mimicking the richly textured surface of the original rock walls. [PJP media].