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Media Release: Black & White 2020 + Still in the Desert

Exhibitions: Black & White 2020 + Still in the Desert
9 May – 13 June 2020

FireWorks Gallery presents two curated group exhibitions with a blend of new artworks along with existing works from it’s stockrooms including painting, sculpture, prints and drawing in Black & White 2020 (downstairs) and Still in the Desert (upstairs).

Black & White 2020 showcases over 40 monochromatic artworks by both Indigenous & non-Indigenous artists. This includes graphic lino prints by Torres Strait Islander artist Glen Mackie alongside calm, textured paintings from Mitchell born Joanne Currie Nalingu. Three paintings by Luke Cummins explore traditional Kuku Yalanji stories, such as Guardian Spirits from Far North Queensland (Image 1). A major feature of this exhibition is a suite of rural landscapes by Kurtjar artist Ian Waldron portraying life on Delta Downs Cattle Station in the Gulf (Image 2). This is the largest Aboriginal owned and operated cattle station in Australia.

Sculptures from NT artists Serena Bonson & Michael Nelson Jagamara are also presented. Jagamara’s contemporary take on the lightning design contrasts with Bonson’s traditional Wangarra spirit forms (Image 3). The exhibition also includes artworks by non-Indigenous artists Juno Gemes & Scott Redford.

Following FireWorks previous exhibition, From the Desert, which presented a sweep through different Indigenous communities, Still in the Desert looks at expressive and figurative takes on the landscape by Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, both remote and urban. The exhibition presents a range of paintings from Warlukurlangu Arts Centre being one of the largest, longest running and most successful Aboriginal-owned art centres in Central Australia. Also featured are non-Indigenous artists Rod Moss and Mathew Johnson. For over 35 years, Moss has captured Aboriginal daily life through his technically superb drawings, revealing the ongoing narrative of his friendship with the Arrernte people (Image 4). Paintings and prints by Melbourne based artist Johnson emulate the abstract desert environment inspired by the shifting changes of light and atmosphere (Image 5).  

FireWorks Gallery Director comments, The Australian desert is known for its vast and remote spaces and it’s haunting beauty. Artists with diverse cultural perceptions describe location and knowledge with their own personal languages often with symbols, metaphors or simply light and colour. However, classic black and white compositions are always a drawcard, so this double exhibition provides something for everyone.

Artwork prices range from: $300 - $40000