Art Ew - National Gallery of Australia

exhibitions galleries
Jean Baptiste Apuatimi
Tiwi people Yirrikapayi 2007
natural earth pigments on
canvas 160.0 x 200.0 cm
National Gallery of Australia,
Canberra
Philip Gudthaykudthay
Liyagalawumirr people
Wagilag Sisters 2007
natural earth pigments
and Liquitex Matte Binder
on Belgian linen
172.0 x 120.0 cm
National Gallery of Australia,
Canberra
20 national gallery of australia
The ‘big guns’ of Culture Warriors
13 October 2007 – 10 February 2008
Through their art and culture, the artists in Culture
Warriors: National Indigenous Art Triennial tell the stories
of their communities in an incredible diversity of ‘voices’ –
humble, venerated, spiritual, customary, poignant, satirical,
political, innovative and overt. Among the thirty-one artists
featured in the Triennial, a core group of dedicated and
significant artists deserve singular focus. Jean Baptiste
Apuatimi, Philip Gudthaykudthay, John Mawurndjul, Lofty
Bardayal Nadjamerrek and Arthur Koo’ekka Pambegan
Jr are fêted through major installations of their work in
the exhibition, and through essay contributions in the
accompanying exhibition publication. Colloquially referred
to as ‘the big guns’, their respective careers span the four
decades since the 1967 Referendum (Aboriginals). Culture
Warriors ensures that their work is seen and celebrated
during their lifetime.
Jean Baptiste Apuatimi, the only female artist in
‘the big guns’, is a Tiwi elder whose traditional name is
Pulukatu (female buffalo) and dance Jarrangini (buffalo).
Apuatimi began working as an artist alongside her
husband, acclaimed Tiwi elder and artist, Declan Apuatimi
(1930–1985). Earlier this year, Jean talked with Angela Hill,
Art Centre Co-ordinator at Tiwi Designs, about her art
and culture:
My name is Jean Baptiste Apuatimi. I am a painter.
My husband Declan Karrilikiya Apuatimi taught me
how to paint. I love my painting, I love doing it ...
Now I am doing that. Painting makes me alive. 1