Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty
We are absolutely THRILLED Helen has accepted our invitation to be part of our artist in residence program. We have been big fans of Helen's work for a long time now, and we can't wait for visitors to the gallery to learn more about her art, culture and country and she sets up her studio in our third level collectors' space.
Helen’s ability to express her ideas and experiences, and to make her ancient Dreaming stories relevant to the daily lives of her community, have catapulted her to the forefront of the contemporary Indigenous art scene.
Less than a year after becoming a full time artist, Helen was honoured to receive the People’s Choice Award at the prestigious 24th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award for her painting Tyemeny Liman’s Wutinggi (Grandpa Harry’s Canoe). She says of her grandfather “In his day he was the best canoe maker in his country. It’s a sad story and a good story at the same time. It’s the last canoe that he ever made.” Helen’s grandfather stopped making canoes when he heard that education would help his children. He left his country with a heavy heart and sent his children to school.
Helen travelled and studied widely across Australia, and eventually became a teacher. Her background in teaching has enabled her with skills that are valuable in her art making practise; a relentless passion to learn all she can about culture and country from her elders, and the ability to effectively communicate through her art using intricate dotting and delicate brushwork techniques. Her art can be multi-layered, complex and colourful, or it can be restrained, solemn and occasionally ominous. Each of her artworks is accompanied by a beautiful heartfelt story, which add another dimension to her work.
To View Helen's Beautiful Artworks, Click Here
Watch this Space for Updates, but at the moment Helen will be in the gallery
3 March - 20 March
11am - 3pm, Thursday - Sunday Each Week
Details are also on the Art Month Website!
