Ngamu & Kilyingem : Old & New: Artworks from Gija Women

Nganu & Kilyingem draws together women from Gija country in the remote east Kimberley region of West Australia. The artists share a deep knowledge of the geographical, historical, and biographical cultural imbedded in Gija country and life. They generously share this knowledge with each other and cross-culturally through their art practice. Country and stories are mapped to illustrate the old and the new, the past and the present, and the lives of the artists and of their ancestors.

The artworks in Nganu & Kilyingem are characterised by the natural ochres, texture, decisive mark making, and clear minimal forms, that have defined Gija work since the era of the great Rover Thomas and Queenie McKenzie. With many of the artists profound knowledge and artistic proficiency recognised nationally and internationally, work from the region has long been held in state and private collections. Elders such as the renowned, Peggy Patrick, Shirley Purdie and Mabel Julie are able to hold a light to the next generation as they rise.