Injalak Arts presents an assemblage of the whackiest artworks they believe have ever been exhibited in Australia. These works represent some of the most innovative, inspired and dynamic outputs created by West Arnhem Land artists in contemporary times. No external input during the creative process has sullied or dimmed the artists’ unique visions. As a body of work, ‘The Whacky Show’ demonstrates a visual culture, expressive of thoughts and feelings that are beyond limits of language.
Brendon Dirdi, Wakih (Freshwater Prawn), 2010. Courtesy Injalak Arts
Many of the artists have used traditional techniques in new and interesting ways, often involving found materials such as wood, ply, reptile and mollusc shells as well as ochre, fibres and paper. These items are assembled in surprising configurations which give the viewer much to think about. The artists have approached ancient stories and traditional subjects with fresh perspectives.
Curated over a period of years and carefully housed in a labelled and dedicated box at the art centre, this exhibition has found its natural home at Don Whyte Framing. Don has an extraordinary eye and over the years has been visually exposed to many of the finest artworks created in the Northern Territory and quite a few beyond the borders too. Don’s respected establishment is regularly visited by Darwin’s aesthetes; appreciators of the nuances of Indigenous artistic expression who are cognisant of the fine line that some of the Injalak Arts artists walk – between the ridiculous and the sublime.
Don Whyte Framing
21 April to 19 May, 2018
Northern Territory
