Jila Kujarra | Two Snakes Dreaming is a dynamic cross-cultural collaboration between Warnman artist Desmond Taylor and Boorloo-based textiles practitioner Mariaan Pugh.
Exhibition runs from July 17 - August 31
Taylor and Pugh have worked together to transform Taylor’s 'Niminjarra' paintings, usually seen on canvas or paper, into ten large-scale textile works, reanimating the important Niminjarra Jukurrpa (Dreaming).
The exhibition is the realisation of a long-held vision by Taylor, a prolific painter who formerly worked with Martumili Artists. It continues the practice of cultural and creative exchange driven by the arts centre in recent years, with the intent of sharing Martu art, language, culture and stories with new national and international audiences.
“The idea for the rugs came many years ago when I was looking at different ways of trying to find my own style of artwork and create a pathway for my work,” says Taylor.
“I always wanted to concentrate on one Jukurrpa, one storyline of a Dreaming path that our people are descendants of. Sharing this story is about giving people the opportunity to learn about the first culture that’s been in Australia before settlement.”
Desmond’s exquisitely detailed 'Niminjarra' paintings follow the Jukurrpa (Dreaming story) of two brothers, who transform into snakes so they can return home to Ngayartakujarra (Lake Dora), a sacred part of Martu Country.
Made by hand with painstaking precision, Mariaan Pugh has translated Taylor’s paintings into large scale tufted rugs. Displayed side by side in the exhibition, audiences will be wowed by their extraordinary likeness and the incredible craftsmanship of each distinct medium.
“It’s been a joy and a privilege to work with Desmond to expand his practice into an entirely new medium,” says textile artist, fashion designer and educator Mariaan Pugh. “Given the cultural significance of his works, I’ve been careful to stay true to his paintings as much as the medium allows, although we’ve had to make a few tweaks here and there.”
“I really love the practice of tufting, it’s a highly tactile medium and it’s so satisfying to see the design come to life, thread by thread. It can take upwards of a week just to complete one rug.”
Jila Kujarra | Two Snakes Dreaming touring exhibition is presented by ART ON THE MOVE with the support of the WA State Government’s Regional Exhibition Touring Boost.
Image: Desmond Taylor and Mariaan Pugh, 'Jila Kujarra: Two Snakes Dreaming' at Fremantle Arts Centre, 2022. Photography by Dan McCabe.
Also check out other Arts events in Manjimup, Exhibitions in Manjimup, Fashion Shows in Manjimup.
