Kimberley art on display in Fremantle

22/5/00

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Kim Hames officially opened the Wirrimanu Women's Art Exhibition in the Fremantle Moores Building Gallery last Friday.
The exhibition displays the artwork of the women of the Wirrimanu Kapululangu Aboriginal Women's Law and Culture Centre.
"Two well-known Wirrimanu artists and senior women from Kapululangu have made the long trek down to be here for the exhibition," Dr Hames said.
"Tjama Freda Napanangka is chair of the culture and law centre and a highly respected Wirrimanu law woman and has had her art displayed in many group exhibitions throughout Australia and overseas, especially in European countries.
"Margaret Anjule Napurrula's artwork is currently on display in an Aboriginal art collection in Virginia, USA and she is the caretaker of Kapululangu and is responsible for women's rituals, ceremonies and songs."
Dr Hames said the main reason the Wirrimanu artists were exhibiting in Perth was to earn enough money to keep the Kapululangu centre operating.
"Kapululangu, which opened in August 1999, plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of law and culture on Wirrimanu," he said.
"Its main aim is to help the women practise, maintain and revitalise their cultural practices and principles.
"Kapululangu also acts as a safe haven for women escaping domestic violence."
Dr Hames said exhibitions such as these played a major role in creating a greater understanding and respect for the traditional Aboriginal culture and way of life.
"Through the arts, Aboriginal people can express themselves freely, displaying their unique strength of character and make a significant contribution to the reconciliation process along the way," he said.
The exhibition was also made possible by the work of Kapululangu Co-ordinator and author Zohl de Ishtar and Perth-based artists Katrina Patterson and Roslyn Nolen.
Ms de Ishtar lives and works with the women in Wirrimanu and Ms Patterson and Ms Nolen have worked with the community's artists and will also have pieces on display in the exhibition.
During the exhibition, which runs until the May 29, Tjama and Margaret will be on hand to talk about the pieces on display as well as working on new pieces.
Media contacts:
Caroline Lacy: 9424 7450
Aboriginal Affairs Department: Ken Suttie on 9235 8000