Photo courtesy of Chapman + Bailey.

A 'Revolving' Exhibition Of Indigenous Art In Melbourne

‘Connecting with Community’ at Chapman & Bailey supports remote arts centres from around Australia who have lost income in the wake of COVID-19.

Writer
Sasha Gattermayr
19th of June 2020

Fine art technicians Chapman + Bailey have launched an exhibition of work from Indigenous artists around the country in an effort generate business for remote arts centres. Due to the cancellation of large-scale enterprise events like the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair in the wake of COVID-19, many of these artists and communities will lose the income these annual events provide.

Connecting with Community showcases pieces from Indigenous artists represented by community-owned arts centres across Australia. Artists from the Central Desert, NPY lands in Western Australia, APY lands in South Australia, Pilbara, Kimberly, Arnhem land, Tiwi Islands and Cape York have all contributed works.

The curation of diverse pieces does not follow one continuous theme, but instead explores the various ways we can interpret and feel connected to place. As soon as one work from the exhibition is sold it will be replaced with another consignment, ensuring the exhibition revolves to support as many artists and arts centres as possible.

‘Everyone during this crisis has been given a thorough shake, and it’s hopefully challenged us for taking globalisation as the dominant economy,’ says co-owner Mark Chapman. He hopes the lasting effect of the pandemic will be a shift to focus on local production and strengthening the connections between communities closer to home.

Artists from Warmun, Martumili, Tjarlirli, Spinifex Hill Studio, Papunya Tula, Injalak, Buku-Larrnggay Mulka, Mimili Maku and Jilamara arts centres are represented.

Make an appointment to view ‘Connecting with Community’ here.

Connecting with Community
An exhibition of works from Indigenous artists around the country exploring their individual connections to place

Monday, 8th June – Sunday, 18th July
By appointment only

Chapman + Bailey Gallery
350 Johnston Street
Abbotsford, Victoria

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