Kulama design

In 1969 one of the first art centres in any remote Australian Aboriginal community was established on Bathurst Island, one of the Tiwi Islands to the north of Darwin. Artists were trained in design, pottery and printmaking and artists from throughout the Tiwi group have been consistently acclaimed over the four decades since. In this case, the artist's father and grandfather were founding figures in the modern Tiwi art movement. This design depicts the Kulama ceremony of the Tiwi people; dancers and singers create a circle and prepare the toxic yam so that it can be safely eaten. It is a celebratory work, about the values of life and food and seasonal ritual. This acquisition was presented by the Art Fund and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.