Since time immemorial, the Indigenous people of Australia have used the arts as a means of passing down their culture, traditions and lore. Their artworks have provided a vital continuity between the generations, directly connecting them to their Dreamtime heritage. Bringing together artists from across the country, Indigenart, Mossenson Galleries are very pleased to present a new generation of Indigenous artists continuing this great and proud tradition.

The first survey exhibition of its kind, 30 Under 30 showcases the talent and innovation of 30 emerging artists born since 1977. The exhibition will be held annually by Mossenson Galleries in both Perth and Melbourne. The Melbourne exhibition will be launched at 41 Derby Street Collingwood at 6pm on Tuesday 15 April by the Hon. James Merlino MP, Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs. The Perth exhibition will be launched at 115 Hay Street, Subiaco at 6pm Tuesday 22 April 2008 by Gerard Neesham CEO, The Clontarf Foundation.

30 Under 30 is a celebration of youth and the continuity of Indigenous culture in remote and urban centres. Whilst restricted to artists under 30 years of age, it is an exhibition that draws sustenance and inspiration from the example of their legendary predecessors.

Amongst the 30 artists included in the exhibition, many are descendants and pupils of some of the nation’s most important senior artists. In their work we see the palpable influence of their mentors, but also the innovation and virtuosity of emerging artists pushing the boundaries of Indigenous art practice. These include young artists such as Gavin Namarnyilk and Ray Nadjamerrek: the grandchildren of the great Bardayal ‘Lofty’ Nadjamerrek; Anna Wurrikidj: the daughter of master innovator John Mawurndjul, Valerie Two Bob Nungarrayi; the granddaughter of influential Papunya painters Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula and Two Bob Tjungarrayi. These artists have enjoyed the tutelage of some of Australia’s great masters, and in turn have begun to develop their own unique artistic practice – taking the traditional stories of their families and extending them into profoundly expressive contemporary statements.

These works balance a reverence and respect for their ancestors, with the freshness and vigour of youthful experimentation. In some instances, this experimentation takes the viewer into new and unexplored territories – such as Tiwi artist Margaret Kerinauia, who takes the traditional designs of the Yirrikapayi Turwara (Crocodile Tail) story and renders them in vivid blues and reds, creating shimmering works of abstract intensity. A similar strategy is used by Perth based photo-media artist Glenn Pilkington, whose works appropriate site-markers of the urban environment. Steel and glass structures are returned to the landscape, taking on the appearance of the traditional Indigenous design.

Hand selected from communities in the Kimberley, Arnhem Land, the Central Desert, Cape York, the APY lands and metropolitan centres by Dr Diane Mossenson, the works included in 30 Under 30 reflect the diversity and innovation of Indigenous art today. According to Dr Mossenson, “This survey provides a unique opportunity to witness a new emerging body of artists who in time will take the mantle of all the great senior artists who have gone before them. In many cases, it will be the first time that these artists have exhibited in the major cities. These artists represent the future of Indigenous art in Australia and the continuity of the ancient culture and traditions that are held in these artworks. It is not often that you see the legacy handed from one generation to the next, it is an enormous privilege to witness these young artists, working hand in hand with their elders to make sure that things are done in the proper way and that these designs and stories – so profound and powerful to their creators – are continued into the 21st Century.”

Mossenson Galleries are proud to present this historic new survey of young Indigenous artists. 30 Under 30: A New Generation of Indigenous Art features

Alison Minor Nangala (Papunya Tjupi Arts)
Allen Kunoth Pwerle (Utopia)
Alma Giblet (Lockhart River Art Centre)
Anna Wurrkidj (Maningrida Arts and Culture)
Benjamin Kunoth Pwerle (Utopia)
Caroline Nakamarra (Papunya Tula Artists)
Christine Karpa (Ngurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra – Many Hands Art Centre)
Elizabeth Napaltjarri (Papunya Tula Artists)
Elyssa Cameron (Maningrida Arts and Culture)
Fiona Jin-majinggal Mason (Maningrida Arts and Culture)
Gavin Namarnyilk (Injalak Arts and Crafts)
Glenn Pilkington (Perth, Western Australia)
Janice Rowe Nakamarra (Papunya Tjupi Arts)
Janicestine Gorey (Ngurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra – Many Hands Art Centre)
Jerita Mengil (Waringarri Aboriginal Arts)
Joey West Tjupurrula (Papunya Tula Artists)
Kim Griffiths (Waringarri Aboriginal Arts)
Kukula McDonald (Bindi Inc and Mwerre Anthurre Artists)
Lisa Cubillo (Ngurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra – Many Hands Art Centre)
Loretta Major Nampitjimpa (Papunya Tjupi Arts)
Margaret Kerinauia (Tiwi Design)
Michael Evans (Ernabella Arts)
Patrick Kunoth Pwerle (Utopia)
Ray Nadjamerrek (Injalak Arts and Crafts)
Rosalind Brumby Jnr (Ngurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra – Many Hands Art Centre)
Roslyn Orsto (Tiwi Design)
Rowena Peipei (Ngurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra – Many Hands Art Centre)
Sharina Pascoe (Milingimbi Art Centre)
Sherona Newry (Waringarri Aboriginal Arts)
Silas Hobson (Lockhart River Art Centre)
Simon Kunoth Pwerle (Utopia)
Valerie Two Bob Nungarrayi (Papunya Tjupi Arts)
Winston Butcher (Lockhart River Art Centre).