Sceaux, 2 August 2011
Galerie Pierrick Touchefeu in Sceau, a former Klein art gallery, presents an exhibition paying tribute to Aboriginal culture from 1 September 2011. Aboriginal art is based on “Dreamtime” or “Dreaming” – a complex religious concept. It was only rediscovered only by artists in the 1970’s. This exhibition will showcase two figures that are highly representative of Aboriginal art – Kathleen Petyarre (1940-) and Dorothy Napangardi (1958-).
Kathleen Petyarre is from the Northern Territory, not far from Alice Springs. She belongs to the Anmatyerr clan and her oeuvre strives to preserve the heritage of Arnkerrth Dreaming (the lizard myth). Her work has been compared to that of modern minimalist artists such as Mark Rothko or Agnès Martin, especially since her pieces remain enigmatic. Her paintings symbolise the cartography of her region. Amongst her best-known works is the series “Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming.”
Dorothy Napangardi was born in Yuendumu, also close to Alice Springs, and speaks Warlpiri. She started painting in 1981, drawing inspiration from traditional Walpiri stories. In 1998, the artist’s style changed and the colourful Warlpiri works were replaced by highly original works featuring white dots that cover the canvas and are separated into small zones, like mosaics. Her new style gained acclaim on the Australian art scene.
Viewers can discover the work of Petyarre and Napangardi until 2 October 2011.