A new exhibition which will feature Aboriginal artists is set to put Australia's rich indigenous history in the spotlight.
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The exhibition is a collaboration between Sturt and Maruku Arts. The show will feature work by Niningka Lewis, Billy and Lulu Cooley as well as over 20 other artists.
Maruku Arts supports over 900 artists from the communities which surround Uluru.
Based in the Mutitjulu Community, and in the shadow of Ayers Rock Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Maruku is one of the largest and most successful Indigenous owned and operated arts organisations.
This exhibition will be a celebration of punu - objects and paintings that incorporate timber.
Niningka Lewis is a skilled punu artist renowned for her walka boards. The boards feature burnt etchings and paint which often depict personal memories from Lewis' childhood.
Billy Cooley is a master carver who produces intricate carved snakes made from various desert timbers. His work will bring to life wanampi water serpents, each one unique and realistic with distinctive markings.
Lulu Cooley is Minyma Ulkumunu, a senior Aboriginal Woman, she is a carver specialising in pita and wira traditional bowls. The pita or wooden bowl is a traditional woman’s carrying vessel for food and water. Lulu has developed a distinctive scallop pattern that has evolved after observation of her mothers work.
Work from Aboriginal artists in the region will also be on show.
Peter Swain is a Wiradjuri Warrambinga man and a direct descendant of Peggy and Jimmy Lambert, the Daby people of Rylstone. Peter has shared his Aboriginal culture and expertise in schools for the last ten years. He has exhibited in galleries across the country. Peter makes tools, artefacts and teaches Boomerang making and throwing.
The Yirran Miigaydhu Weavers (meaning many women weaving in Dharawal) will showcase some of their work made from local fibres and native grasses. The group learns traditional methods of making to create works such as coil baskets, bark water carriers, dilly bags, animal sculptures, weave baskets, fishnets and adornments.
Billy and Lulu Cooley will be in residency from April 8 and will give a series of free demonstrations and talks.
The exhibition will run from April 14 - June 2 at Sturt Gallery, Mittagong.
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