Marra! (catch it!), Kumpaya Gigirba and Ngamaru Bidu, 2010, photo: Gabrielle Sullivan.
Bringing the desert to town, the We don’t need a map exhibition is an explorative journey through the distinct contemporary visual language of the Martu people of the Western Desert.
The landmark exhibition was first exhibited at Fremantle Art Centre in late 2012 and was co-produced by Fremantle Arts Centre and the Martu organisations Martumili Artists and Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa. The project was developed over two years and involved the active participation of over 50 Martu artists and rangers as well as a number of unique collaborations with leading new media artists from across Australia. The exhibition’s successful season in Fremantle prompted an 18-month national tour. We don’t need a map is currently travelling around Australia from Langwarrin to Katoomba, Dubbo, Moree, the Gold Coast and Alice Springs, until March 2016.
Exhibition co-curator Erin Coates said We don’t need a map celebrates the lively culture of the Martu and brings their experience of the Western Desert to new audiences.
‘The Martu art practice is really on the national and international radar at the moment,’ said Coates. ‘The original exhibition at Fremantle Art Centre had such an overwhelming response that blew all previous attendance records. There is a lot in the show, not just stunningly beautiful artwork but there is also fascinating information and knowledge on the landscape and Martu land management.’
Martu paintings, portraits and finely wrought objects are shown in conjunction with new media collaborations, a giant interactive inflatable basket and aerial desert photography. Additionally the exhibit allows visitors the opportunity to interact with the artists in the opening weekend at each venue, to learn about the art, the rangers’ work of caring for country and to watch and participate in basket-weaving.
Artists Amy French and Lily Long, Martu filmmaker Curtis Taylor and established Melbourne artist Lily Hibberd will be involved in collaborative projects throughout the tour.
‘The exhibition focuses on the Martu relationship with their land and out of that comes really wonderful stories from everyday life, from camel hunting to football matches right through to powerful ancestral stories. There is also a real focus on fire and caring for country and the practices that are still continued today,’ said Coates.
For more information visit We don’t need a map.
