Patrick Freddy Puruntatameri, Jurrukukuni (Owl) 2008.
Image: Australian Museum
Source: Courtesy the artist and Jilamara Arts and Crafts.
Melbourne Museum will host Australia’s most extensive touring exhibition of contemporary Indigenous sculpture with the launch of Menagerie: Contemporary Indigenous Sculpture on December 16.
The groundbreaking exhibition features sculpture depicting a variety of animals by 33 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, working in materials ranging from ceramics to traditional materials such as wood and fibre.
The artists, representing every Australian state and territory, were selected by exhibition curators Brian Parkes and Nicole Foreshew, and reflect the breadth and variety of contemporary sculpture by Australian Indigenous artists.
Menagerie includes works by Victorian artist Treahna Hamm as well as fibre works by Yvonne Koolmatrie from South Australia, ceramics by Judith Inkamala from the Northern Territory, wood carving by Craig Koomeeta from Queensland and work cast in bronze and aluminium by Dennis Nona from the Torres Strait Islands.
“Menagerie is a wonderful exhibition showcasing the incredible diversity of work by today’s Indigenous artists,” said Caroline Martin, Manager of Bunjilaka, Melbourne Museum. “This exhibition shows how traditional Indigenous culture and practice is seamlessly integrated with contemporary art making and ideas. The result is a lively collection of work bound to capture visitors’ imaginations.”
Menagerie is developed by Object: Australian Centre for Craft and Design and the Australian Museum, Sydney. Its presentation at Melbourne Museum is part of Designed to Inspire, a series of exhibitions dedicated to the recognition and promotion of the work of emerging and practising Australian designers. Previous design exhibitions at Melbourne Museum include Premier’s Design Awards and the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award Exhibition.
Menagerie 16 December – 21 February (free with general admission)
Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton
Adults $8, children and concessions FREE
For further information visit museumvictoria.com.au or phone 13 11 02.
Please note: Co-curators Nicole Foreshew and Brian Parkes are available for interview along with a number of featured artists.