ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/22/06 21 July 2006
Australian indigenous art exhibition comes to Hyderabad
A major Australian aboriginal exhibition, “Kiripuranji: Contemporary Art from the Tiwi Islands”, will be inaugurated in the city on Saturday, showcasing a collection of contemporary indigenous Australian paintings.
“The paintings reflect the richness of Australia’s indigenous culture, which resonates well with Indian audiences. India also has a vibrant art tradition from her tribal and traditional communities, and we are pleased to be able to bring to Hyderabad this fine body of work,” said Mr John Fisher, Counsellor, Australian High Commission, in inaugurating the exhibition.
“Kiripuranji is a showcase of possibly the world’s oldest cultures – those of Aboriginal Australia which date to at least 40,000 years ago. Aboriginal art is unique and is finding appreciative audiences world-wide,” said Mr Fisher.
“The exhibition is part of a two year cultural promotion in India, AusArts India: films, art, literature, which has been extremely successful in other parts of India. We are very pleased to be able to bring the exhibition to Hyderabad. ” he added.
The Kiripuranji is a Tiwi word meaning 'clever with our hands'. The collection of paintings being exhibited reflect the richness of Tiwi culture which include work on paper, paintings, carved and painted ceremonial poles and textiles.
The exhibition also commemorates the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee week (NAIDOC Week), which is an observance to mark the contributions of Indigenous culture and people to modern day Australia.
Kiripuranji is a part of AusArts India: film, arts, literature, a cultural promotion program supported by the Australian Government through the Australia International Cultural Council (AICC). During 2006-2007, AusArts will showcase the diversity of Australian culture through Australia’s participation in film festivals, book fairs and other art and cultural events throughout the country.
For further information, please contact, Mr John Fisher, Counsellor, Australian High Commission, on (0) 9810154256 or Ms Jaspreet Sharma, Program Officer, Australian High Commission, on (0) 98182 97709.
Opening of the exhibition will be held on Saturday, 22 July 2006, from 6:30 pm- 9:00 pm at the Indian Art Gallery A&B, State Gallery of Fine Art, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad. The exhibition will be on view until 5 August 2006, 10:30 am -7.00 pm.
AusArts India: film, arts, literature is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia International Cultural Council, in partnership with the Australia Council, the Australian Film Commission, Austrade, Tourism Australia and the Australia-India Council.