5 – 21 May 2022
about the exhibition
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists is a small and dynamic art centre located in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and originally established in 2000 as an arts training project. This community celebrates the strengths and achievements of the artists, giving voice and opportunity to people who have often been marginalised. Working mainly in soft sculpture, film, textiles and ink on paper, this community has found a unique voice in which to tell their stories.
This exhibition focuses on the artists’ soft sculpture practice and includes sculpture by Rhonda Sharpe (Luritja people), Louise Robertson (Walpiri people), Marlene Rubuntja (Western Arrente people), Roxanne Petrick (Alyawarre people) and Dulcie Sharpe (Luritja and Arrente peoples). Figures, animals, landscapes and otherworldly imaginings are brought into being using an extensive range of materials: recycled woollen blankets dyed with local Arrernte plants, rusty bits of discarded metal and, at times, hand painted fabrics. Wool, cotton and feathers are often incorporated by way of stitching into the sculptural forms, further enhancing these innovative and vibrant creations. The work of Yarrenyty Arltere Artists is currently being exhibited at the National Gallery of Australia as part of the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony.
