Lajamanu has a population of around 900 Warlpiri people. The older generation here still remember the first time they met white Australians. Their great grandchildren run around Lajamanu. These older members of Lajamanu Community see Warnayaka Art as an avenue to achieve a number of needs that are present in their community. The most important thing expressed by members, is the need to preserve and pass on the cultural significance of Warlpiri, the culture of the people of Lajamanu, which encompasses not only art, but includes language, social structure, law and country. In doing so it is understood that excellence in art, prosperity from art sales, employment opportunities and preservation of pride in being Warlpiri will result. The art centre is a Warlpiri owned corporation. Lajamanu Community, formerly named Hooker Creek, is 580kms south west of Katherine, NorthernTerritory. Lajamanu is half way between Alice Springs and Darwin to the west near the NT/WA border. The town is very remote. The art centre is staffed mainly by the children of the older generation of residents. They maintain the computerised data base and run the art centre production. Art from here is exhibited in Australia and overseas, and is in high demand. Older and younger community members produce fine art on canvas and linen. The centre is a place for a cup of tea and a song and dance, and then a trip into the Spinifex Desert to look for goanna and lizards or to collect bush coconut, bush banana, yams and bush honey from native bees. Art from here is exhibited in Australia and overseas.

3422
views
29
followers
About Gallery
Loading...
Loading...