Arnhem Land bark paintings head to Beijing for art tour

The rare bark paintings are part of the National Museum of Australia's collection.

bark painting

'Mimih Hunting' by Aboriginal artist Dick Nguleingulei Murrumurru. Source: National Museum of Australia

More than 150 pieces of art including rare bark paintings will be displayed throughout a 20-month tour of China starting in July in Beijing, National Museum of Australia director Mathew Trinca says.

The exhibition features work from celebrated artists David Malangi, Narritjin Maymuru and Mawalan Marika.

"This delicate and beautiful collection of Arnhem Land bark paintings is one of Australia's great cultural treasures and the National Museum of Australia is delighted to share them with Chinese audiences," Dr Trinca said.
bark painting
'Mimih Hunting' by Aboriginal artist Dick Nguleingulei Murrumurru. Source: National Museum of Australia
The museum's senior curator Michael Pickering said the works from western, central and eastern Arnhem Land were truly unique.

"The three different regions represented in this exhibition have very different painting styles and we know overseas audiences will be fascinated by their depictions of Australian plants, animals and indigenous culture," Dr Pickering said.

The paintings will tour mainland China before moving on to Taiwan.

AAP

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Published 15 June 2018 11:13am
Updated 15 June 2018 12:50pm


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