Glen Iris features centre of art excellence

In Desert Stories, distinctive Aboriginal art from the Northern Territory’s Ikuntji region, also known as Haasts Bluff, comes to Gallery Ranfurlie at Korowa Anglican Girls’ School.

Exhibition curator Victoria O’Shea said the exhibition was a culmination of her fascination with the region, which is 230km west of Alice Springs.

“I have always loved the vibrancy of contemporary Aboriginal art and believe it should be viewed as contemporary art in its own right, rather than be defined only by its indigenous context,” Ms O’Shea said.

Works from the Ikuntji region are known for their bright and bold colours with acrylic works depicting ancient stories in a contemporary context.

Desert Stories features a range of large-scale works united by their depiction of Haasts Bluff. Artists include Anmanari Napanangka, Eunice Napanangka, and Jack and Alice Nampitjinpa.

Desert Stories opens Tuesday, August 24, 6.30pm with viewings between 1-4pm, Wednesday, August 25, to Friday, August 27.