Ceremonial Body paint design, 113 x 95cm, Acrylic on canvas, Courtesy of Charmaine Pwerle, SH Gallery
Starting August 29, SH Gallery in Seoul will host an exhibition showcasing the works of renowned Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye and her descendants Barbara Weir, Teresa Purla, and Charmaine Pwerle. This group exhibition presents a rare opportunity to experience both the traditional and contemporary interpretations of Aboriginal art, as embodied in the works of Emily Kame Kngwarreye and her successors.
Aboriginal Art, an art form created by the Indigenous peoples of Australia, dates back approximately 40,000 years. Originally depicted through cave paintings and rock carvings, this art form embodies the identity, spiritual beliefs, and historical narratives of the Aboriginal people. The works often focus on themes of nature and human life and are known for their use of distinctive techniques such as dot painting. These artworks are deeply symbolic, with colors, patterns, and motifs carrying specific meanings, particularly those related to the creation myth known as 'Dreamtime.' Modern Aboriginal Art maintains its traditional roots while continuously evolving by incorporating new media and techniques, gaining international recognition and acclaim.
Kngwarreye Flower Dreaming, 144 x 124cm, Synthetic polymer on canvas, Courtesy of Emily Kame, SH Gallery
Emily Kame Kngwarreye, born in 1910 in the remote Anmatyerr community of Northern Australia, drew artistic inspiration from her traditional Aboriginal lifestyle. Despite beginning her painting career in her 80s, Emily's unique abstract style quickly gained worldwide recognition, bringing Aboriginal Art to the global stage. Her works, inspired by her homeland's landscapes and traditional stories, are characterized by their use of dot painting and free-flowing lines, all rendered in a contemporary style.
Her descendant, Barbara Weir, was born in 1945 to an Irish father and an Aboriginal mother. Separated from her family as a child due to the Australian government’s forced removal policies, Barbara later returned to her homeland and played a vital role in preserving and continuing the tradition of Aboriginal Art and culture. Barbara’s daughter, Teresa Purla, born in 1963 in Darwin, was influenced by her mother’s artistic journey and began her own in the late 1990s.
Dancing Track, 84x90cm, Acrylic on canvas, Courtesy of Teresa Purla, SH Gallery
Teresa’s works reimagine the deep roots of Aboriginal Art through a modern lens, often drawing inspiration from the land and nature of Utopia. Charmaine Pwerle, born in 1975 in Alice Springs, also inherited her mother Barbara's artistic influence and has developed a distinctive style. Her works, which focus on the landscape and traditions of her homeland Utopia, reflect her deep artistic insight and the rich culture of Aboriginal Art.
The exhibition at SH Gallery will be held alongside Masato Yamaguchi's solo exhibition on the first floor, with the Aboriginal Art group exhibition showcased in the basement. The opening reception will take place on August 29, from 5 PM to 7 PM, with participation by Masato Yamaguchi. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Aboriginal Art's history, traditions, and modern reinterpretations.
Womens ceremony, 1998, 88x122cm, Acrylic on canvas, Courtesy of Babara weir, SH Gallery
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
Ceremonial Body paint design, 113 x 95cm, Acrylic on canvas, Courtesy of Charmaine Pwerle, SH Gallery
Starting August 29, SH Gallery in Seoul will host an exhibition showcasing the works of renowned Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye and her descendants Barbara Weir, Teresa Purla, and Charmaine Pwerle. This group exhibition presents a rare opportunity to experience both the traditional and contemporary interpretations of Aboriginal art, as embodied in the works of Emily Kame Kngwarreye and her successors.
Aboriginal Art, an art form created by the Indigenous peoples of Australia, dates back approximately 40,000 years. Originally depicted through cave paintings and rock carvings, this art form embodies the identity, spiritual beliefs, and historical narratives of the Aboriginal people. The works often focus on themes of nature and human life and are known for their use of distinctive techniques such as dot painting. These artworks are deeply symbolic, with colors, patterns, and motifs carrying specific meanings, particularly those related to the creation myth known as 'Dreamtime.' Modern Aboriginal Art maintains its traditional roots while continuously evolving by incorporating new media and techniques, gaining international recognition and acclaim.
Kngwarreye Flower Dreaming, 144 x 124cm, Synthetic polymer on canvas, Courtesy of Emily Kame, SH Gallery
Emily Kame Kngwarreye, born in 1910 in the remote Anmatyerr community of Northern Australia, drew artistic inspiration from her traditional Aboriginal lifestyle. Despite beginning her painting career in her 80s, Emily's unique abstract style quickly gained worldwide recognition, bringing Aboriginal Art to the global stage. Her works, inspired by her homeland's landscapes and traditional stories, are characterized by their use of dot painting and free-flowing lines, all rendered in a contemporary style.
Her descendant, Barbara Weir, was born in 1945 to an Irish father and an Aboriginal mother. Separated from her family as a child due to the Australian government’s forced removal policies, Barbara later returned to her homeland and played a vital role in preserving and continuing the tradition of Aboriginal Art and culture. Barbara’s daughter, Teresa Purla, born in 1963 in Darwin, was influenced by her mother’s artistic journey and began her own in the late 1990s.
Dancing Track, 84x90cm, Acrylic on canvas, Courtesy of Teresa Purla, SH Gallery
Teresa’s works reimagine the deep roots of Aboriginal Art through a modern lens, often drawing inspiration from the land and nature of Utopia. Charmaine Pwerle, born in 1975 in Alice Springs, also inherited her mother Barbara's artistic influence and has developed a distinctive style. Her works, which focus on the landscape and traditions of her homeland Utopia, reflect her deep artistic insight and the rich culture of Aboriginal Art.
The exhibition at SH Gallery will be held alongside Masato Yamaguchi's solo exhibition on the first floor, with the Aboriginal Art group exhibition showcased in the basement. The opening reception will take place on August 29, from 5 PM to 7 PM, with participation by Masato Yamaguchi. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Aboriginal Art's history, traditions, and modern reinterpretations.
Womens ceremony, 1998, 88x122cm, Acrylic on canvas, Courtesy of Babara weir, SH Gallery
