P I N T U P I
Paintings from the Masters of the Western Desert, Papunya Tula Artists
Opening our 2018 Summer Exhibition Series, Harvey Art Projects proudly presents works from Australia's foremost art center, Papunya Tula Artists.
Papunya Tula Artists' unmistakable and distinctive paintings represent the classic style of painting from the Pintupi people of the Western Desert region of Australia. Renowned for their often bold, geometric mark-making, Papunya Tula Artists became the first indigenous group of the western desert to form their own artists co-operative in 1972. This landmark decision not only ushered in an entirely new artistic movement, it led the way for future indigenous language groups from remote regions of Australia to form similar organizations. This art-center owned model today aims to promote individual artists, provide economic, social and health development for the communities to which they belong, and assist in the maintenance of a rich cultural heritage.
Papunya Tula Artists is entirely owned and directed by traditional Aboriginal people from the Western Desert, predominantly of the Luritja/Pintupi language groups. It has 49 shareholders and now represents around 120 artists. The Papunya Tula painting style derives directly from the artists’ knowledge of traditional body and sand painting associated with ceremony. To portray these dreamtime creation stories for the public, has required the removal of sacred symbols and the careful monitoring of ancestral designs.
This exhibition features work from leading senior artists who have exhibited within Australia and internationally including exhibits held in London, Moscow, New York, Aspen & Berlin. Harvey Art Projects in conjunction with Papunya Tula Artists is proud to also include works by artists who have sadly passed; Makinti Napanangka, Doreen Reid Nakamarra, Walangkura Napanangka and Danny Gibson Tjapaltjarri.
On view until July 28th 2018 in Sun Valley