way out west | 24 June - 16 July

Australia’s desert landscapes, regarded as the ‘outback’ of Australia, have long been a great inspiration for artists. But it is the artists of the Western Desert, way out west from Alice Springs, that have taken the world by storm with their powerful and unique art; designs and images expressing their intimate connection to their Country and the Tjukurrpa.

 

The exhibition has a beautiful balance of works with strong iconography and incredible amount of mythological detail, as well as works that are extremely bold and graphic, such as esteemed artist Warlimpirringa Tjapaltjarri.

 

Warlimpirrnga paints in two main styles, using geometric shapes to represent the Tingari story, or lines interspersed with dotting for his dreaming concerning the sacred site of Lake Mackay of which he is the custodian. Warlimpirrnga employs a dotting technique shared with other Pintupi artists such as his brothers, Thomas and Walala, and with George Ward Tjungurrayi, artists also featured in the show. 

Artworks by the great Tommy Watson command your attention when first entering the third level collectors' gallery

While artworks by Gracie Ward Napaltjarri invite you to take an intimate moment; to be amazed by the intuitive and authoritative expression of the intricacies of Country.

Some artworks may take visitors by surprise, such as Katjara Butler's dynamic and colourful pieces,

but we are certain this exhibition will leave visitors with a sense of wonder, and revel in the artistic genius of Australia's great artists from the Western Desert. 

Can't visit the gallery? You can view the online exhibition here.

 


Gurindji Janginyina ( Lightning at Gurindji ) by Sarrita King

Sarrita King has always been inspired by the world around her. Much of her interpretation of the natural world and its elements has come from her father, the late William King. William was an amazing artist who had a gift in connecting people with the world through his art.

Sarrita explains,’ My art connects me with my father, my culture and the world around me. Painting connects with me past , helps me focus in the moment and takes me forward with the continuous connection with others.’

Growing up in Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, Sarrita was close to her Gurindji country that her ancestors inhabited. The rolling sand hills, crackling lightning and thunderstorms, torrential rain, fire, desert and tangled bush are all characteristics of the brutal landscape that shaped her forefathers’ lives and also her own. Sarrita’s connection to the land and her Aboriginality were able to flourish, and her strong sense of self and pride fuels her drive to paint her totemic landscape today.

Her aesthetic has a universal appeal and provides an entry point for people to experience the power and uniqueness of the Australian landscape and its harsh environment. By depicting the environmental elements in her paintings, King provides a visual articulation of the earth’s language.

At only 29, King has had many personal achievements, including over 30 exhibitions and has been acquired by many high-profile Australian and international art collections, as well as being auctioned many times successfully through Paris’ Artcurial auction house.

The future looks bright for Sarrita, as her desire to visually communicate her inspiration and the land has resulted is works that are vibrant, striking and contemporary.

why we LOVE this artwork

This painting is inspired by her Gurindji ancestors and the great storms found in their land. One of Sarrita's first memories is of the storms and lightning found in the top end of Australia. Sarrita remembers the movement through the rain and wind and also the energy present.

This is part of an exquisite new body of work by Sarrita that can be viewed online here. The swirling background colours really do give a fantastic sense of movement, as well as providing a beautiful depth and mood. We really recommend 'home trialling' one of these  gorgeous new works, as they are highly versatile and can work in an array of settings. Not in Sydney? We can always do a 'digital hang' for you! Simply send through images of the space and we will send the images back with the artwork hanging on your wall.


Atnwengerrp Revisited | 20 May - 12 June

Sacred, traditional, historical and ceremonial elements are interwoven in a dynamic family show featuring Barbara Weir, Charmaine Pwerle, Teresa Purla and Lizzie Pwerle. Barbara and her family continue to push boundaries, experimenting with different painting styles and techniques in this latest body of work.

What makes this exhibition particularly exciting is that Barbara Weir, Teresa Purla and Lizzie Pwerle will be in the gallery on Saturday 20 May for the opening, and then take part in a two week artist in residence program!

We warmly invite visitors to the gallery to sit down, have a yarn with Barbara, Teresa and Lizzie and learn more about their art, culture and incredible life stories.

Please Note: Lizzie Pwerle is a particularly shy woman and English is her fourth language, so please don't be offended if she is a little reserved
 

Barbara, Teresa and Lizzie will be here for National Sorry Day (26 May) and National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) and will be taking part in local community events.

Barbara Weir, Teresa Purla & Lizzie Pwerle will be in the gallery

20 May – 4 June

12 - 4 Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays 

11 - 5 Weekends

Can't visit the gallery? You can view the exhibition online.


October Artist in Residence: Sarrita King

Image © Saville Coble

Fresh from her recent travels to central Australia, Sarrita King joins Kate Owen Gallery as our resident artist in October

Expect to see some exciting new styles as Sarrita draws upon the inspiration gained from her reconnection with her desert roots and her fellow artists.  

Image © Saville Coble

Sarrita will be in the gallery

8 October - 23 October

12 - 6 mondays, thursdays & fridays 

10 - 6 weekends