Education :: Larrakitj
Suitable for students K-12
Learning Links: Visual Arts, Society & Environment, English
Themes: Indigenous Australians, tradition, spirituality, culture, ownership
Resources: Resource sheet, Interactive guided tour, hands-on art workshop ($5.50 per student)
Since 2000, a forest of Larrakitj has been taking shape in Perth. The public now has the opportunity to see this unique collection that represents over 30 Yolngu artists from North-East Arnhem Land.
Larrakitj are sculptures that originate as trees in stringybark forests. Hollowed out by termites, trees selected for Larrakitj are usually harvested after the dry season fires. A cultural cycle begins as the trunks are smoothed and shaped until the surface is ready to be painted in ochres. Each completed Larrakitj, covered in iconic, clan-specific imagery, is an imposing presence. The exhibition of around 90 poles presents a rich and deeply-layered experience of Yolngu art and culture.
The past decade has been revolutionary for Larrakitj, which are among the most powerful aesthetic objects in contemporary Australian art. Their realm of importance now reaches beyond their deep cultural use as receptacles in traditional funeral rituals or their role as metaphor and symbol in the Yolngu conceptual universe.
The Yolngu artists who contributed to this installation are represented by Buku-Larrngay Mulka, a Yolngu-owned arts centre and cultural hub of Yirrkala, an Indigenous township just south of Nhulunbuy on the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Enliven your class studies of Indigenous culture with a unique experience this term. Engage your students with a free interactive guided tour through the fascinating exhibition Larrakitj, and stimulate their creativity with a hands-on art workshop exploring story through images.
All Images Kerry Stokes Collection, Perth © the Artists left to right :
Nawurapu Wunungmurra, 1952–, Garraparra Larrakitj 2003 [detail] Earth Pigments on Naturally Hollowed Log, H. 216 cm
Djirrirra Wunungmurra, 1960–, Buyku Larrikitj 2007 [detail] Earth Pigments on Naturally Hollowed Log, H. 304 cm
Nawurapu Wunungmurra, 1952–, Garraparra Larrakitj 2006 [detail] Earth Pigments on Naturally Hollowed Log, H. 288 cm
Baluka Maymuru, 1941–, Mangalili Larrakitj 2002 [detail] Earth Pigments on Naturally Hollowed Log, H. 256 cm
SUPPORTED BY
WOODSIDE ENERGY LTD
My Premier Festival
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BOOKINGS AND INFORMATION
Sue Way on 9492 6644 or educate@artgallery.wa.gov.auArt Workshop $5.50 per student
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Event Details
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When
14 Feb–31 May: 10am - 5pm
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Where
Art Gallery of Western AustraliaArt Gallery of Western Australia
Address: 47 James St Mall, Perth
Phone: (08) 9492 6600
Located in the heart of the city in Perth's Cultural Centre.
Parking: Underground paid parking available, enter off Roe St, Perth
Situated next to Perth Train Station
OPENING HOURS 10.00am-5.00pm daily
Closed Good Friday & Christmas Day
Anzac Day (25 April) - open from 1.00 - 5.00pmFor ACCESS visit the AGWA page of the Department of Culture and the Arts
- FREE EVENT
Festival Info
6488 5555
