Tandanya is proud to announce the opening of two exciting exhibitions from the Tiwi Islands. Ochre Imprints showcases the Tiwi Islanders art of body painting (jilamara) for ceremonial purposes translated into a variety of media such as painting, carving, ceramics and printed fabrics. Mamana Mamanta – Gradual Friendship is an exhibition of unique and beautiful glass works by Jock Puautijimi and Luna Ryan who continue break new ground in terms of incorporating glass into Australian Indigenous art.

Ochre Imprints showcases the work from the three art centres on the Tiwi Islands; Munupi Arts and Crafts, Tiwi Design and Jilamara Arts and Craft. The exhibition includes work by both prolific and emerging artists demonstrating the diverse artistic talent evident on the Tiwi Islands.

Tiwi Islanders continuously practice the art of body painting (jilamara) for ceremonial purposes. The patterning used is primarily decorative with the emphasis on strength of design rather than narrative. These designs are now translated onto a variety of media such as painting, carving, print making, textiles, ceramics and silk screen printed fabrics.

Ochre is an inherent part of Tiwi life. The natural earth pigments are collected and used to adorn the body for ceremonial purposes during Pukumani (funeral) and Kulama (initiation/yam) ceremonies.

Each artist interprets jilamara in a unique and distinctive fashion. This is demonstrated by the varied styles that are noticeable in Tiwi art. Designs can be organised and uniformed creating a structured and sophisticated aesthetic or free flowing and gestural.

Artists in this exhibition include Jean Baptiste Apuatimi and her daughter Maria Josette Orsto, Margaret Renee Kerinauia, Ita Tipungwuti, Roslyn Orsto, John Patrick Kelantumama, Susan Wanji Wanji, Nina Puruntatameri, Pedro Wonaeamirri, Kenny Brown, Linus Warlapinni, Janice Murray and Timothy Cook.

Mamana Mamanta (gradual friendship) is an exciting exhibition of glass sculptures by Canberra-based glass artist Luna Ryan, and Tiwi artist Jock Puautjimi. Jock and Luna’s initial collaborations were received with enthusiasm, prompting the artists to develop their abilities further and bring new techniques into their practices.

The works in Mamana Mamanta continue to break new ground in terms of incorporating glass into Australian Indigenous art and at the same time highlighting an important story about artistic and cross-cultural collaboration. The project continues the long history of sharing ideas and working together that exists both in the field of studio glass and indigenous communities. It’s a sharing of the wonders of the glass medium and the ability to build friendships through arts practices. 

Ochre Imprints and Mamana Mamanta are part of the 2009 Adelaide Fringe, and will be opened on 9 January 2009 at 6pm. The artists will be present.