Set amidst the steaming tropical climes of western Arnhem Land, the Dreamtime mythologies of the Kunwinjku are steeped in a passionate mixture of lust, desire, sorcery and revenge. Recorded through the ages in songs, ceremonies and rock-art galleries, they speak of a sacred landscape of sweeping escarpments, flood-plains and mangrove wetlands. This is a landscape rich in poetic mythos, where spirit beings inhabit every crevice, creating life and law. In this landscape, sexuality and eroticism are integrated into a complex system of beliefs that help explain every facet of being and shape the Kunwinjku’s understanding of life, country and the spirit realm.

Sex, Spirits and Sorcery celebrates the unique position sexuality occupies within Kunwinjku culture, without recourse to the taboos instilled by western society. From the dawn of art, artists have found unique ways to explore human sexuality and the ways in which it shapes our being and affects our social attitudes, behaviour and values. And yet, western audiences have rarely celebrated the erotic power of Indigenous art and the unique ways in which sexuality informs their ancient cultures.

Sex, Spirits and Sorcery aims to redress this imbalance by presenting important new works by Graham Badari, Roderick Maralngurra, Gabriel Maralngurra, Garry Djorlam, Tony Bangalang, Wilfred Nawirridj, Isaiah Nagurrgurrba and Djawida Nadjongorle.

The exhibition will be opened at 6pm on Thursday 25 September 2008 by Associate Professor Robert Nelson, Associate Dean, Monash University Art and Design.