Art, words and photos from Central Australian Aboriginal Art Centres
Spring 2024
THE DESART RADAR
Desert Mob 2024
A huge crowd was in attendance for the official launch of the 33rd Desert Mob to preview the exhibition of 185 artworks by over 200 artists. It was a night to remember with a sensational live performance by Papunya’s Keanu Nelson Tjakamrra, and over half the artworks selling on opening night, prior to the exhibition going live online. Michael Liddle was the MC for the evening introducing Rene Kulitja to open the event in recognition of the 40th anniversary of Maruku Arts. Most of the exhibiting artists and their art centres were in attendance with their families to share in the celebration of desert art and culture that is Desert Mob.
Image: Rene Kulitja opens DesertMob.
Photography by Sara Maiorino, courtesy of Desart.
Desert Mob Symposium
This year’s Desert Mob Symposium was a day of exceptional storytelling with the first-time inclusion of a puppet show by Yarrenytye Arltere Artists and a diverse array of demonstrations and performances from artists representing ten art centres. The feeling of celebration and collaboration continued throughout the weekend, with the buzzing Marketplace hosting over 30 stallholders, and artist-led art workshops at capacity. Satellite events around Mparntwe attracted many visitors over the opening days and the mix of bush food, music, art and talks at the After Dark events kept people coming back to Araluen for more Desert Mob!
Image: Lousie Robertson narrating the Yarrenyty Arltere puppet show, Desert Mob Symposium. Photograph by Sara Maiorino, courtesy of Desart.
Image: Desert Mob Opening. Photography by Sara Maiorino, courtesy of Desart.
Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre
As part of this year’s Desert Mob public program, Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre presented their debut ceramic collection at Central Craft’s June Marriot Gallery. First Forms marks five months since Arlpwe re-established a pottery studio that had lay dormant in Ali Curung for the best part of a decade, with a mass of clay, raw materials and hardware gathering dust. In late 2023, the Arlpwe board of directors were tasked with the decision of whether to sell the forgotten gear or engage a ceramicist to reinvigorate the space and guide an ongoing ceramics program. Working alongside Mark Cole from Central Craft, Arlpwe artists have now spent one year stock-taking, re-furbishing the studio and learning the basics of ceramic production. First Forms was met with much excitement from the exhibiting artists, who look forward to continuing their learnings and developing their own style of pottery.
"The pottery has been awesome for the artists and it has also encouraged a painting resurgence amongst the men" – HARRY PRICE (Art Centre Manager)
Image: Benjamin Barnes gives the thumbs up to the pottery workshop. Image courtesy Arlpwe Art and Culture Centre.
Maruku Arts turns 40
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Maruku Arts’ incorporation. Desart congratulates all the past and present artists and staff of Maruku Arts and acknowledges their decades-long service to Aṉangu and Yarnangu artists across the Central and Western deserts. Puṉu has been a creative staple of the art centre from its humble beginnings, with the the first exhibition of works by the artists of Amaṯa shown in a tent at the base of Uluru. Desert Mob 2024 featured this distinctive art-form with a display of piti, mimpu, wira and kaṉilpa, carved wooden vessels. Maruku Arts presented works in the first Desert Mob exhibition in 1991 and have continuously participated in Desert Mob since that time. To celebrate this significant milestone for Maruku Arts in this year’s Desert Mob, the event was officially opened by artist and community advocate Rene Kulitja. Rene is a current director and previous chair of Maruku Arts and a founding director of Walkatjara Art. Today, approximately 500 Aṉangu and Yarnangu artists from 22 communities and homelands are part of the collective that is Maruku – together keeping cultural traditions and knowledge strong for future generations of artists.
Madeline Grant
b. 1968 Pitjantjatjara people
Piti 2023
kataya (limestone wattle)
Artwork photography by Fiona Morrison, courtesy of Desart.
"I would watch the old people carving. Now I do it in their place. My nana used to do it and showed me how a long time ago. That’s why I do it."
MADELINE GRANT
Transcribed and translated by Kathy Tozer
Image (top): Early days of Maruku Arts. Image courtesy Maruku Arts.
Maringka Baker’s Art Takes Flight
The recent unveiling of the Qantas A220 called 'Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa' was celebrated with a vibrant and joyous ceremony that highlighted the remarkable work and enduring legacy of Senior Tjungu Palya Artist Maringka Baker. Surrounded by her family and friends, Maringka was joined by representatives from the Tjungu Palya Art Centre, the Mutitjulu Community, the Balarinji Design Agency, Qantas, and Copyright Agency, who played a crucial role in negotiating the deal. Together, they gathered to see the landing of the plane, view the incredibly detailed design up-close and for Inma and speeches that honoured the significance of the Minyma Kutjara Story, and Maringka Baker's artistic achievement.
Image: Maringka Baker (seated in green) along with her family and Qantas Crew in front of the Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa Plane, featuring Maringka’s artwork, adapted by the Balarinji Design Agency. Photos courtesy of Qantas.
Ikuntji Artists
Desart congratulates Ikuntji Artists on their outstanding awards!
Telstra Best of Business Awards NT: Accelerating women and building communities.
Chief Minister's NT Export awards: Creative Industries and e-commerce, as well as NT exporter of the Year.
"From our little community Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff) we are sending all of our stories through paintings, fabrics and fashion around the world. It makes us so proud and happy to see that everyone hears about it and learns about Ikuntji Artists." – ROSERANNA LARRY (Chairperson)
Image: (L-R) Daphne Marks (Director) and Roseranna Larry (Chairperson) holding their NT Export Awards Winner certificates. Photograph by Dr Chrischona Schmidt, courtesy Ikuntji Artists.
Image: (L-R) Clinton Oliver, Stefan Smith and Dean Oliver of Ltyentye Apurte Traditional Craft Centre at the Desert Mob Artist's Preview. Photography by Sara Maiorino, courtesy of Desart.
Key dates
9 – 10 November Desart Online Xmas Art Marketplace www.desart.com.au/member-art-centres
18 November Desart Members Professional Development WHS Workshop
19 – 20 November MAP NT (Meeting of Art Professionals)
26 November Desart AGM
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DESERT MOB
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