No one walking into the Holmes à Court Gallery during February and March 2008 will think they are in Western Australia. The space will be unmistakably and vibrantly far north Queensland – specifically indigenous work from the Cape York Peninsula.
From Cape to Cove will include paintings and sculpture by members of the young “artgang” at Lockhart River – Rosella Namok, Fiona Omeenyo, Samantha and Silas Hobson and two of the emerging older painters – Susan Pascoe and Moira Macumboy. All the work reflects their colourful environment of reef, beach, culture and community. From Aurukun come sculptural pieces and ceremonial objects that express the artists’ close association with their culture, environment and the wildlife that abounds. Artists include Garry and Leigh Namponam, David Bell, Craig Koomeeta, Horace Wikmunea and Joel and Mavis Ngallametta.
Born out of one individual’s passion for WA wildlife and for the art of Cape York, when Nick Harch put his proposal to us at the end of 2006 it seemed eminently worthwhile. With the Lockhart River Art Centre and its artists enthusiastically on board from the beginning it was a chance for the Gallery to bring a taste of the Cape to Perth and to raise funds for the WA based Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Recovery Project (www.hotgecko.com/carnabys/Carnabys.htm). The Gallery’s commission on sales will be donated to the Project.
Further down the track we were thrilled to involve the Aurukun artists who have completed a significant body of work. These artists are increasingly celebrated as their powerful sculptural tradition meets the international contemporary art world.
It’s been twelve months of exploration, perseverance, cooperation and goodwill, and Holmes à Court Gallery feels honoured to have been involved.
The exhibition will be opened Dr Robert Davis, Chair, Birds Australia (WA), with a welcome to country by Noongar elder, Ben Taylor. Directors of both art centres and artists, Fiona Omeenyo, Moira Macumboy, Garry Namponan and Mavis Ngallametta will be present.
FREE PUBLIC TALK Sunday 10 February 4pm Camille Masson-Talansier – Director, Lockhart River Art Centre & Guy Allain, Art Coordinator, Wik and Kugu Arts and Craft Centre,.
SUMMER SALONS Private viewings of the exhibition followed by a light meal in the gallery and a guest speaker’s talk
Wednesday 13 February 6pm Liz McLellan, Project Manager, Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Recovery Project The Cockatoos, the crisis and the recovery strategy
Wednesday 20 February 6pm Graeme Hamilton, CEO, Birds Australia Climate change and its impact on the habits, homes and survival of the planet’s birds
Cost: $45 per Salon
