A Vibrant Exhibition Of Traditional Sculpture + Contemporary Art

Numerous art sorts by 9 artists from a little and discrete Aboriginal group on the west coastline of Cape York peninsula occur alongside one another in this new exhibition offered by Brunswick Street Gallery and Wik & Kugu Artwork Centre ‘Aak Puul: Artwork From The Wik & Kugu Region’.  

Between the vibrant ochre and acrylic paintings by Devena Wikmunea, Leigh Namponan and Janet Koongotema, are a collection of legendary camp dog sculptures by Leo Namponan, Bruce Bell, Keith Wikmunea, Leigh Namponan, Lex Namponan, Roderick Yunkaporta and Bevan Namponan. 

As a result of the representation of the unique visible arts apply belonging to the 5 clans who live on Aurukun, this exhibition aspires to demonstrate to Melbourne audiences the unity and toughness of Wik & Kugu tradition.

Keith Wikmunea, senior Wik-Alkan artist explains, ‘”Aak Puul” refers to one’s Tribal Place or Homeland. It’s a time period that particularly relates to a person’s father’s Place, and his father’s before him. Aurukun’s visible art is intrinsically tied to Aak Puul which finds its expression in an historic performative cultural custom of song and dance.’

Keith’s work in the exhibition, ‘Thiikel – Kencharang Croc’ and ‘Ku’Kencharang’ (a huge crocodile and barking pet made from regular physique paint designs and ochre on Milkwood) were being created to complement a set of hanging contemporary paintings by his daughter, Devena Wikmunea.

Alongside one another, the daring modern day art of the ladies in Aurukan and the equally vivid sculptures by the guys are component of a cultural continuum rooted in the ancestral past. 

Keith claims, ‘Before time, our old individuals carved all their totems such as crocodile, echidna and kangaroo. Each carving has a relationship to a Tale Location named Awa’. There are a good deal of Awa’ throughout the Wik & Kugu Lands. These destinations are forbidden to the uninitiated and are thought of Ngench Thayan (Sacred Area). The men’s and women’s artwork sorts from Aurukun are all connected to these spots. When we carve our totems, we are sharing our tales from these important places’. 

‘Aak Puul: Artwork From The Wik & Kugu Region’ is open from 15 September to 2 Oct at Brunswick Road Gallery. 

Understand additional about the exhibition in this article. 

Brunswick Street Gallery
Level 1 & 2
322 Brunswick Road
Wurundjeri State, Fitzroy VIC