Ngini Ngawula Pikaryingini (Our Stories)

Munupi Arts & Crafts Association and Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association return to Larrakia Country with their annual art and culture showcase, Ngini Ngawula Pikaryingini (Our Stories).

^{By Tierney White}

THIS EXCITING ANNUAL collaboration between Munupi from Pirlangimpi Community and Jilamara from Milikapiti Community, both on Melville Island, has been going on for years, and sees the Art Centres bring vibrant Tiwi works to Darwin shores each August.

Kicking off the week-long exhibition is a very special opening ceremony featuring a yoi (dance) by members of the Art Centres and their families, the dancers painted in natural earth pigments known as ochres. It takes place on the Darwin Entertainment Centre Forecourt and never fails to draw a huge crowd.

Ngini Ngawula Pikaryingini (Our Stories) is a moving recreation of the distinctive worldview of the Tiwi people that encapsulates their ancient wisdom, traditions and mythologies. Tiwi art is characterised by a colour palette of red, yellow, black and white ochre. Yellow ochre is burned to create red ochre, and both can be mixed with white and black clay to create a vibrant variety of hues.

Guy Allain was Munupi’s manager for almost 10 years and recently handed over the reins to his daughters Dashielle and Tandanya. Dashielle says it’s a special thing when the two Art Centres come together.

“The communities are really close together, they’re really connected – not only culturally but ancestrally – so they share a lot of family. There’s also the distinctive style that comes into fruition through the artists’ practice, so standing together is representative of the Island and what the artists do,” she says.

The importance of the collaboration is a sentiment echoed by Jilamara Manager, Hannah Raisin.

“It’s a unique setting to be on an island … but there’s something beautiful about the two small communities on Melville Island coming together and building those relationships – all the arts workers working together, the artists celebrating together and being seen,” she says.

Artists from both communities have been working hard over the year to create pieces for the collaborative exhibition, including canvases, painting on bark, wood carvings, and water vessels/carriers.

An entourage of artists make the trek to Darwin for the show, one of whom is Alison Puruntatameri who says she’s proud to share her culture with others.

“[It’s special to me] to showcase to the world the artwork and culture of Tiwi people. To give audiences the opportunity to learn and have understanding of our life and culture, which is different to other parts of Australia and the world.”

This special exhibition – and indeed the gorgeous opening ceremony that leaves all smiling – is a true highlight on the Top End arts and culture calendar. Pop it in the diary and be captivated by the treasures of Tiwi.

Ngini Ngawula Pikaryingini (Our Stories)
WHEN FRI 9 – THU 15 AUG | OPENING FRI 9 AUG, 10AM
AT DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
INFO munupiart.com | jilamara.com

_{Photo: Ben Searcy}