Mossenson Galleries, in conjunction with Milingimbi Art and Culture are proud to present Yunumu: The Garrawurra Artists of Milingimbi, a new exhibition curated by Ruth Nalmakarra.

The story of Ruth Nalmakarra and her family of Garrawurra Artists presents an important reflection of the development and evolution of Yolngu painting at Milingimbi. Not long after a Methodist mission station was established in 1923 at Milingimbi, a small island off the central coast of Arnhem Land, the Yolngu people of the region began to paint the events and mythologies of Ancestral times for the balanda or Europeans. The permanent and continuous colonial contact had awakened in the traditional owners of the land a determination to ensure the survival of their culture through artistic production. As anthropologist, John von Sturmer has noted, the Yolngu leaders painted with an urgency to record everything about their world, so that outsiders might see that it was worth preserving. Eight decades later, for the various clan groups that reside at Milingimbi, painting, weaving and carving remain some of the most effective vehicles for the dissemination to the wider community of an understanding of their relationship with their traditional country.

The works that Nalmakarra has selected for Yunumu are a perfect reflection of continuity and celebration. They include paintings and sculptures from Ruth Nalmakarra, along with fellow Garrawurra artists Lena Walunydjulalil, Susan Yirrawurr, Helen Ganalmirrawuy, Michelle Barradawuy, Angelica Bulurrmawuy and Margaret Rarru.

The works relate to the Djirrididi body painting designs used in the Ngarra cleansing ceremony. For many years, the only artists permitted to paint these designs were Tony Dhanyala (1935-2004) and Mickey Durrng (1940-2006). Shortly before his passing, Durrng passed this authority onto his sister Ruth Nalmakarra and her family.

Since 2007, the Garrawurra artists have successfully exhibited in Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin and Perth, and their works have been acquired by Museum Victoria and the National Gallery of Victoria. In 2007, Margaret Rarru was awarded first prize in the bark painting category at the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.

Using the bold tri-colour of the Ngarra ceremony (yellow, red and white), the Garrawurra artists have extended the traditions of their forebears, finding new and singular ways to explore these sacred designs.

Mossenson Galleries in conjunction with Milingimbi Art and Culture are proud to present Yunumu: The Garrawurra Artists of Milingimbi, a new exhibition curated by Ruth Nalmakarra.

The exhibition will be opened at 6pm Thursday 12 June 2008.