Anna Price.
Ronnie Tjampitjinpa.
Michael Nelson.
ART GAL L E R Y OF TH E MONTH
Art Aborigène – Australian Art in Switzerland Some extraordinary works from Australia will be available to view once again this November, at the renowned Au Temps qui Passe gallery in Genolier, Switzerland – acquired directly from the artists and presenting many a new highlight. TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: AU TEMPS QUI PASSE
Between 1971 and ‘72, traditional designs and rituals were first applied to canvas in the tiny Aboriginal settlement of Papunya, about 240 kilometres northwest of Alice Springs, initiating one of the most influential artistic movements of the 20th century. Quickly spreading across the continent and influencing follow-up generations of artists, the names of the pioneering painters today form part of permanent international exhibitions at, for example, the Musée du Quai Branly Paris, as well as other renowned ethnographic institutions worldwide. They have also been subject to many a private collection through the years. The Genolier sales exhibition shows works from both the pioneers and the generations that followed, from various regions. One of the most renowned in60 | Issue 80 | November 2019
ternational experts, Marc Yvonnou, will be present at the vernissage. Joachim Heidrich, who took over the Au Temps qui Passe gallery in 2016, has always been fascinated by Aboriginal Art. Together with Marc Yvonnou, he went to Australia in July to acquire new works for this year’s 12th Swiss sales exhibition on the unique and enthralling movement. Dreams of their ancestors Aboriginal artists often use the ‘dreamtime’ tradition as inspiration, which helped the ancient nomadic tribes of Australia to locate sacred grounds or hunting areas, as well as resting spots. Each design (or dream) on the dreamtime paintings, often depicted in dotted lines, tells an individual tale formerly passed on to the next generation by the help of
story-telling and simple patterns, scratched into the ground or applied to rocks with natural pigments. Along with the lively colours, these secret contents form the main attraction of Aboriginal art. Magnetic attraction Loyal clients, as well as a multitude of international visitors, are able to enjoy the annual exhibitions at Au Temps qui Passe, with this one being of particular interest to so many. The vast variety of style, colour patterns and designs in the artworks match many a surrounding: from chalet to modern flat, through to offices and entry halls, Aboriginal art will always provide a well of inspiration. www.autempsquipasse.com
Art Aborigène – annual sales exhibition at the renowned ‘Au Temps qui Passe’ gallery in Genolier, Switzerland – running from 2 November through to 15 December 2019.