The Geoffrey Bolton Library at Murdoch University is hosting a special display of thought-provoking contemporary Indigenous artworks recently acquired by Murdoch University Art Collection.
In recognition of this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, 'Be a Voice for Generations', the display features socially minded and politically engaged artworks by Mervyn Rubuntja, Vanessa Inkamala and Selma Coulthard.
These artists are part of a not-for-profit, 100% Aboriginal owned and directed arts centre called, Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) which is located in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Northern Territory.
Iltja Ntjarra artists experiment with materials, forms and methods of making to depict the beauty of Country in the iconic Hermannsburg painting style made famous by celebrated Indigenous artist, Albert Namatjira, who is arguably one of Australia’s most famous artists of the 20th century.
Murdoch University Art Collection Curator Mark Stewart explains how the artists have repurposed discarded road signs, found everywhere in Mparntwe, as a means of sharing a political message.
Above: Mervyn Rubuntja - Our Bloodway, 2021, acrylic painting on recycled road sign, 75cm x 75cm. Acquired by Murdoch University Art Collection 2022.
“Whether used to direct traffic, or to communicate specific rules, signs like these are crucial in governing our relationship to the land.
"Usually, these signs direct people’s attention to common conventions around road traffic, private property, and the organisation of space.
“In the hands of these Iltja Ntjarra artists, the sign’s function is subverted to share an important plead about Caring for Country, its beauty, cultural practices, and customary lore on traditional lands,” he said.
Above left: Mervyn Rubuntja - No Fracking Anytime, 2021, acrylic painting on recycled road sign, 45cm x 30cm. Acquired by Murdoch University Art Collection 2022.
Above right: Selma Coulthard - Please, Do Not Enter, 2021, acrylic painting on recycled road sign, 50cm x 50cm. Acquired by Murdoch University Art Collection 2022
Each sign has been overpainted with images of Country in the Hermannsburg style alongside text which urges us to respect and look after these precious lands, for our current and future generations, warning that Country is not something to be owned or taken advantage of for commercial Western profit.” Mark Stewart, Murdoch University Art Collection Curator
These artworks convey important and powerful messages, in a way that is engaging, provocative, and encourages greater dialogue and consideration of First Nations people’s perspectives.
Above left: Vanessa Inkamala - No dig it, 2021, acrylic painting on recycled road sign, 60cm x 45cm. Acquired by Murdoch University Art Collection 2022.
Above right: Mervyn Rubuntja - Don’t Give Away, 2021, acrylic painting on recycled road sign, 96cm x 96cm x 96cm. Acquired by Murdoch University Art Collection 2022.
Mr Stewart said artworks like this are incredibly important in the wider University context and highlight the cultural and educational value of Murdoch University Art Collection.
Murdoch University Art Collection’s National Reconciliation Week artwork display is now on show in level 3, south wing foyer of Geoffrey Bolton Library.
Feature photo credit and caption: Credit to Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Arts Centre. Artist Mervyn Rubuntja holding the Don't Give Away sign.