Munupi Arts Pop Up Christmas Sale
If you’re after a unique gift for a special someone this Christmas, or would like to treat yourself, this month’s pop up from Munupi Arts boasts a wide selection of beautiful original artwork from the Tiwi Islands.
Showcasing the art of over 40 artists from the Pirlangimpi community on Melville Island, this special pop up gives Tiwi artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their work in what has been a challenging year.
Art Centre Manager Guy Allain says, like many, they’ve had to find new ways of doing business.
“Our normal way of doing business has been a bit challenged – the year’s been disrupted. We normally come to Darwin each year in August with dancers and artists for a big 10-day exhibition and show, but that was shortened this year. Throughout 2020, works have been sold online which of course isn't how we normally operate,” he says.
“This pop up sale gives the people of Darwin a chance to purchase some original Tiwi Island art, and 100 percent of sales go directly back to the artists and the Art Centre.”
With the cancellation of the highly anticipated Tiwi Art Sale and an unexpected shift into a digital world, art exhibitions normally enjoyed in well-lit rooms with like-minded arts enthusiasts have been experienced on the screens of phones and computers. But nothing compares to the in-person experience, taking in each piece hung respectfully on the wall, true to size.
The colour palette of Tiwi Art is limited to yellow, red, white and black ochre, reflecting the tradition of natural and found pigments. These are the naturally occurring raw materials, with heat applied to yellow ochre to burn or “cook” becoming reds.
Allain says he didn’t want to miss the opportunity for the artists to be able to have an exhibition in Darwin.
“For us, we’ve tried to find other ways to display the work and we thought, coming up to Christmas, people may like to purchase artwork as a gift or for themselves,” he says.
“It’s really a Christmas sale, so artworks will also be going a little cheaper than normal – it’s a great chance to get a very good deal!”
Munupi Arts Pop Up Christmas Sale
WHEN THU 12 – SAT 14 NOV, 10AM-5PM | SUN 15 NOV, 10AM-2PM
AT VIC ARCADE, SMITH STREET MALL, DARWIN
INFO munupiart.com
Thumbnail & header photo: Andre Tipungwuti and his work 'Jilamara Design', 2020, natural ochres with acrylic binders on canvas, 120x80cm
