2 – 18 May 2024
about the exhibition
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists is a small and dynamic art centre enterprise located in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and was originally established in 2008, following on from an arts training project initiated in 2000. This centre celebrates the strengths and achievements of the artists, giving voice and opportunity to many members of the community to express their creativity and diversity. For this exhibition, a joyful array of animals and figures are brought into being using an extensive range of materials from recycled woollen bush blankets and fabric dyed with local Arrernte plants to hand painted fabrics, embellished with wool and cotton. Several works are adorned with feathers enhancing their colourful and flamboyant personalities. The artists speak of the centre’s special value to the community: “We love Our Beautiful Art Room, it is a strong place for us to make art, work out problems, show our kids a good future. It is in the middle of the Yarrenyty Arltere Town Camp in Alice Springs, our home, and it belongs to us. Visit us in the Art Room and you will see us dying blankets with local bush plants, sewing sculptures with bright wool and cotton, laughing, telling stories. It is a good place, Our Beautiful Art Room, and we are sharing it with you through these soft sculptures that we make with our hands and with our hearts.”
This exhibition focuses on the artists’ soft sculpture practice and includes works by Rhonda Sharpe (Luritja language), Louise Robertson (Walpiri language), Marlene Rubuntja (Arrernte and Western Arrarnta language), Roxanne Petrick (Alyawarre language), Beth Ebatarinja (Western Arrarnta language) and Rosabella Ryder (Arrernte language). Yarrenyty Altere artists have received many awards including Highly Commended, Telstra 3D award 2021; Winner, Telstra 3D award 2013; Highly Commended, WA Indigenous Art Award 2013; Winner,Telstra 3D Award 2015; Winner, Vincent Lingiari Art Award 2018. The community was also invited to be a part of the 21st Sydney Biennale in 2018. Many of the artists have received significant recognition and awards in their own right.
