ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT: Courtney Wagner
The diversity of contemporary First Nations art is being showcased in two new exhibitions at the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, in Lake Macquarie. Ceramics and paintings by late Luritja/Pintupi/Pitjantjatjara artist Kunmanara Carroll tell stories of Country through his minimalist design, while a separate exhibition explores intercultural perspectives on death and dying, while considering the interrelationships between artworks and cultures.
The exhibition of Carroll’s work is titled JamFactory ICON Kunmanara Carroll: Ngaylu Nyanganyi Ngura Winki, translating as ‘I can see all those places’.
MAC Curator Courtney Wagner said the works were inspired by Carroll’s paternal homeland. “Mr Carroll’s captivating paintings and ceramics merge his deep knowledge of Country with his beautifully intricate, yet minimalist style,” Ms Wagner said. The second exhibition, titled One foot on the ground, one foot in the water is a La Trobe Art Institute exhibition featuring paintings, sculptures, installations and sound works challenging visitors to “reckon with death and dying as an inherent part of life”.
Ms Wagner said MAC yapang aimed to celebrate and support First Nations’ continuing culture and creative practice, and highlight the people, places and stories behind the works.
“These two exhibitions bring together geographically and culturally distinct regions,” she said.
Both exhibitions are free to visit and will be on display until Sunday 10 July.
Go to mac.lakemac.com.au for more information.
Courtney Wagner is an graduate of the Master of Art Curating