Fortitude Valley is home to a powerful new art exhibition at Mitchell Fine Art, featuring the works of Aboriginal women artists from Central Australia. Running until 15 March 2025, ‘Napurrula’ highlights the deep cultural ties of the artists through their shared skin name and artistic heritage.
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A Celebration of Aboriginal Women’s Art
The Napurrula exhibition, which opened on 18 February, is a curated collection of paintings by female Aboriginal artists. These artists share the Napurrula skin name, which connects them to their family, clan, and ancestral land. The exhibition coincides with International Women’s Day to celebrate the role of women in preserving and sharing cultural traditions.
Curated by Mitchell Fine Art Director Mike Mitchell, the exhibition presents a striking selection of artworks from remote Central Australian Aboriginal communities. The artworks offer an insight into the kinship system that shapes Aboriginal identity.
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The Significance of the Napurrula Skin Name
In Aboriginal culture, a skin name signifies an individual’s place within a complex kinship system. The Napurrula name specifically ties women to their heritage. It governs their relationships, responsibilities, and connection to the land.
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By selecting artists who share this ancestral identity, the exhibition highlights the strength and significance of Aboriginal women in visual storytelling. Each painting is a reflection of culture, land, and knowledge passed down through generations.
Art as an Expression of Identity
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The artworks on display serve as both personal and communal expressions, illustrating the connection between the artist, their heritage, and their role in society. The exhibition acknowledges the ongoing role of Aboriginal women in the cultural and artistic landscapes of Australia.
Featured artists include:
- Mitjili Napurrula – ‘Watiya Juta’ (acrylic on linen, 90 x 120 cm)
- Lorna Fencer Napurrula – ‘Yala (Bush Potato)’ (acrylic on linen, 99 x 109 cm)
- Narpula Scobie Napurrula – ‘Women’s Dreaming’ (acrylic on linen, 92 x 91 cm)
- Tatali Napurrula – ‘Tali (Sandhills)’ (acrylic on linen, 90 x 117.5 cm)
Exhibition Details and Visitor Information
The Napurrula exhibition is currently on display at Mitchell Fine Art, 86 Arthur Street. The exhibition is available to visitors on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Onsite parking is available. For inquiries, contact 7 3254 2297.
Published 20-Feb-2025
