Connecting Community with Country: NAIDOC Week 2022
As the first week of July rolls around, we can’t deny the significance and importance of this week in the Australian calendar. NAIDOC Week (3-10 July): a week of celebration, recognition, and solidarity with First Nations people.
As Australians, members of the Indigenous Art Code, and having established relationships with over twenty remote Indigenous Art Centres, Bluethumb is proud to play our part in helping make Indigenous art more accessible. Today and every day, we are proud to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! with our First Nations artists.
This week we are bringing Indigenous art to the forefront, not only online, but further to Bluethumb’s brick-and-mortar spaces. Adorning the walls of our Naarm (Melbourne) and Kaurna (Adelaide) galleries, these all-indigenous curations are certainly worth celebrating and seeing in the flesh. Why not stop by and take a look!
Naarm (Melbourne) Gallery: 330 Bridge Road, Richmond, VIC, 3121
Our Naarm (Melbourne) gallery is currently home to works sourced from the Warlukurlangu Art Centre, Tjampi Desert Weavers, and many more.
Rich with cultural significance and underlying meaning, these artworks represent more than just a fine piece of art. The artists behind them, hold strong significance not only as artists in their own right, but further as givers of knowledge to the community so their lessons can live on.
Artist Spotlight: Paddy Japaljarri Stewart
Paddy Japaljarri Stewart A.K.A ‘Cookie’ has been sharing his teachings hand-in-hand with Warlukurlangu Art Centre for years, to both Kardiya (indigenous) and Yapa’s (non-indigenous) people. Painter, maker, dreamer (jukurrpa), dancer, and even local bus driver, Paddy is all about giving back. A storyteller. With a connection and knowledge of country that is second to none, you can find Paddy Japaljarri Stewart’s artwork featured in the collections of major art institutions in Australia and around the world.
See more works and learn more about where they come from in our curation here.
With big plans and a refit in the works, our Melbourne space is set to be our flagship gallery with some pretty exciting exhibitions lined up later in the year. There’s no time like the present though, so if the terrazzo flooring and exposed brick doesn’t draw you in, this curation surely will.
Kaurna (Adelaide) Gallery: 72A King William Rd, Goodwood, Adelaide, SA, 5034
Head south to our gallery in Kaurna (Adelaide) and you’ll be spoilt for choice. An amazing collection of works from artists using a wide range of traditional techniques, from weaving to rarrk work. If you’re looking to connect with country through art, get to Goodwood. And, let’s be honest, when it comes to building your art collection, you know you’ll be putting your money in the right place.
Artist Spotlight: Deborah Young
Deborah Young, grew up in Tjukurla and paints with Tjarlirli Art Centre. After years of travelling, she returned to Tjukurla to support her community and to work alongside her family. Her works often tell stories of the region and touch on the transference of knowledge between generations. See two of her pieces hanging in the Adelaide gallery below.
Looking to invest in Indigenous Art, but not sure where to start? Our free Art Advisory service places expert curators at your fingertips, without having to walk out your front door!
We are honoured to represent so many incredible indigenous artists and to connect the wider community with First Nations heritage through art. Shop all Indigenous works here.
