Thancoupie Bursary Fund: Fundraising art auction

Thancoupie Bursary Fund: Fundraising art auction: Canopy Art Centre 18th – 27th May
 
A couple of months ago in Cairns an art event honoured one of the country's most pre-eminent ceramicists and arguably Australia's foremost Aboriginal artist, the late [and recognised Queensland Great] Dr Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher James AO, known fondly as 'Than' by most. In her will Thancoupie left behind an endowment fund, a trust of sorts to be utilised as a scholarship programme for young or emerging Aboriginal artists from the Western Cape, Cape York Peninsula (her home region). Since its inauguration the Thancoupie Bursary Fund has raised a sizable amount due to the assistance of the Queensland Government and countless benefactors as well as support from the Aboriginal Benefits Foundation. Events such as the recently held fundraising art auction have been crucial to the Bursary's sustainability and also presents a great and interactive way for the community and those who admired Thancoupie to contribute. This is the latest of a number of fundraising auctions held over the past few years, one at the Cairns Regional Gallery and another at KickArts Contemporary Arts.
 
While the Bursary has been growing, building its profile and advocating for Indigenous arts advancement in the Far North, artist Paul Bong became the first recipient of the bursary last year. The funds awarded to Paul- and all future recipients- goes towards supporting either their arts practice or arts education. In a time where public funding to the arts is restricted and restrictive, this initiative from the private sector, from the community, is a great step forward. Supporting artists, especially Indigenous artists, and advocating for arts education (aside from her arts practice) were some of Thancoupie's lifelong passions.
 
Held at the Canopy Art Centre in Cairns, the auction featured over 40 eclectic works of varying mediums and schools, including works by prominent Indigenous artists such as Dick Roughsey, Arone Meeks, Glen Mackie, Brian Robinson and Janet Fieldhouse– along with two very specially gifted works by Ray Crooke and Thancoupie herself! Other artists, as featured in order in the catalogue include: Paul Bong, Craig Hoy, Mollie Bosworth, Samuel Tupou, Teho Ropeyarn, Rick Beresford & Phil Johns, Kerry Trapnell, Ian Whittaker, Jill Symes, Geoff Crispin, Angus Nivison, Jenny Fraser, Roland NancarrowHeather Koowootha, Theo Tremblay, Zoe De Jersey, Daphne De Jersey, Marsha Hall, Pamela Griffith, Lynn Bates, Peter Thompson, Serena Kuring, Nina Dawson, Margaret Genever, Mark Cochrane and Joseph & Ian Skeen & Family.
 
While the definite figure of what was successfully raised at the auction has yet been officially announced by the Thancoupie Bursary Fund committee, from my estimations the figure is impressively into the early tens of thousands of dollars mark. To keep updated on any future announcements follow the Bursary's official Facebook page.
 
*Jack is the Tribal-Grandson of Thancoupie and is himself a contemporary artist & writer from Cape York & Far North Queensland.

 

Jack Wilkie-Jans 
Aboriginal Affairs Advocate
Artist & Artsworker
 
Dick Roughsey, 1972, The Emu and the Turkey, 47cm x 37cm, bark painting
Dick Roughsey, The Emu and the Turkey, 1972, 47cm x 37cm, bark painting
 
Heather Koowootha, 2016, 'Kubarra Fire Storm' (etching)
Heather Koowootha, Kubarra Fire Storm, 2016, (etching)
 
Ian Whittaker, Fiat, 2015, ceramic
Ian Whittaker, Fiat, 2015, ceramic
 
Jill Symes, 1996, Coral Vessel, ceramic
Jill Symes, Coral Vessel, 1996, ceramic
Left,Rick Beresford&Phil Johns,2015, Kunangurra,digitalprint on board,Right, JennyFraser, Where'sMurri, 2016,digitial printoncanvas
 
(Left) Rick Beresford and Phil Johns, Kunangurra, 2015, 90cm x 61cm digital print on board, (Right) Jenny Fraser, Where's Murri, 2016, 76cm x 51cm, digitial print on canvas
 
 
Margaret Genever, 'Disparate Supper Dance', 2011, 26x37cm archival pigment print
Margaret Genever, Disparate Supper Dance, 2011, 26 x 37cm, archival pigment print
Ray Crooke, c.1986, Sandstone Outcrop Cape York, 52cm x 39cm, screen print (2)
Ray Crooke, Sandstone Outcrop Cape York, c.1986, 52cm x 39cm, screen print
 
Roland Nancarrow, 2015, Licuala Deluxe, 3D sculpture
Roland Nancarrow, Licuala Deluxe, 2015, 3D sculpture
 
Thancoupie, c.1985, Beug crab, Negwerre bandicoot, Guiree flying fox and fish, 23cm diameter
Thancoupie, Beug crab, Negwerre bandicoot, Guiree flying fox and fish, c.1985, 23cm diameter
 

Guest writer ‘What’s on in Queensland? Bimblebox: Art – Science – Nature

Art and Artists blog is excited to include another Jack Wilkie-Jans guest post. Enjoy!
 
Bimblebox: Art – Science – Nature, a touring exhibition, is a must see. Currently showing at Artspace Mackay (61 Gordon Street, Civic Centre Precinct, Mackay) in Northern Queensland, the exhibition will be on display until the 6th of December 2015 before continuing doing the rounds through regional galleries in Queensland and New South Wales. Next year the exhibition is off to the New England Regional Art Museum, NSW (106-114 Kentucky St, South Hill NSW) from the 5th of February to the 24th April 2016. Click here for future exhibition dates!
 
Showcasing Seventeen Artists, the group exhibition is curated by well known curator and art consultant, Beth Jackson. The works are varied (click here for catalogue), ranging from collages made up of naturally sourced materials, to modern sculptural installations of both natural and technological appeal, fine paintings & drawing, photography, sound installations and digital art. As such the exhibition is a balanced collection of talent, with artists drawing upon their experiences at Bimblebox Nature Refuge for their collective inspiration. The Bimblebox Nature Refuge is an 8000 hectare property in Central Queensland’s Galilee Basin that is currently under threat from Coal Mining. 
 
They say nothing can beat nature, and while Mother Earth's creation (cared for by the caretakers at the Bimblebox refuge) is surely one of the greatest and most beautiful "installations", Bimblebox: Art – Science – Nature is a modern artists' interpretation and presentation of the aesthetic and the spiritual stories of such a pristine landscape. Showcased within art galleries across Queensland and New South Wales, like a modern take on the botanist portfolios of old, the exhibition literally transports Bimblebox to the viewer, and visa versa- something which is always a rewarding experience and a hallmark of any successful concept!
 
For more information please go to: bimbleboxexhibition.com or bimbleboxartproject.com
All Souls Day (Tree), 2009, Luke Roberts, photo courtesy of the Artist and Milani Gallery Brisbane

All Souls Day (Tree), 2009, Luke Roberts (photo courtesy of the Artist and Milani Gallery Brisbane)

Coalface, Alison Clouston and Boyd, source www.bimbleboxexhibition.com

Coalface, Alison Clouston and Boyd (source www.bimbleboxexhibition.com)

Mining Aramac from the Mining Galilee Series, 2013, Fiona MacDonald, photo courtesy of the artist

Mining Aramac from the Mining Galilee Series, 2013, Fiona MacDonald (photo courtesy of the artist)

L to R, L, Jaw War Tet Tweer, 2013, Sarah McIlroy, R, Mending the Future, 2013, Jill Sampson, photo Carl Warner

Left to Right, Jaw War Tet Tweer, 2013, Sarah McIlroy & Mending the Future, 2013, Jill Sampson (photo Carl Warner)

Bimblebox Skymap 2, 2013, Glenda Orr, photo Carl Warner

Bimblebox Skymap 2, 2013, Glenda Orr (photo Carl Warner)

Reconfigured Landscape no. 1, no. 2, no. 3, 2013, Shayna Wells, detail from photo by Carl Warner
Reconfigured Landscape no. 1, no. 2, no. 3, 2013, Shayna Wells (photo by Carl Warner)

Guest writer: What’s on in Queensland? Bugai Whyoulter at the Suzanne O’Connell Gallery (Brisbane)

Art and Artists blog is excited to included Jack Wilkie-Jans second guest post. Enjoy!

In the state's capital, Brisbane, there lies a fabulous boutique gallery nestled in New Farm. It is without doubt an institution which does its fair share adding to the style and sophistication the suburb has become envied for. The Suzanne O'Connell Gallery, run by art dealer, consultant and former jazz singer, Suzanne O'Connell, (located at 93 James Street in New Farm) specialises in presenting only the best Aboriginal artists and most beautiful contemporary artworks.

 
The current exhibition by Western Australian artist Bugai Whyoulter is one of the most beautiful on display at the moment. Recently featured in the current issue of Art Collector magazine Whyoulter is described by her admirers as quiet and reclusive. Her artworks however speak very loudly and vibrantly of her culture, history and land. She is the daughter-in-law of famed artist Nora Wompi and is herself showing once again that Aboriginal art is as contemporary as it is reflective and that the movement, if you will, remains one of the strongest and most diverse in the wider Australian art industry.
 
If you're heading to the sunshine state and going by Brisbane, be sure to wander down into New Farm and visit the Suzanne O'Connell Gallery- either before or after stopping to have a coffee or cocktail at one of the many divine establishments along James Street.
 
Bugai Whyoulter's exhibition will be on display until 6th June.

 

Author: Jack Wilkie-Jans
Jack is an artist and writer as well as an Alumni of the National Gallery of Australia's Wesfarmer's Indigenous Arts Leadership program from Far North Queensland.
www.jackandrewwilkiejans.weebly.com

 

Parnngurr (2), Bugai Whyoulter, Acrylic on Belgian linen, photo courtesy of Martumili Artists, source  www.suzanneoconnell.com
Parnngurr (2), Bugai Whyoulter, Acrylic on Belgian linen, photo courtesy of Martumili Artists, source: www.suzanneoconnell.com

Kurrakurra, Bugai Whyoulter, Acrylic on Belgian linen, photo courtesy of Martumili Artists, source  www.suzanneoconnell.com
Kurrakurra, Bugai Whyoulter, Acrylic on Belgian linen, photo courtesy of Martumili Artists, source: www.suzanneoconnell.com

Parnngurr, Bugai Whyoulter, Acrylic on Belgian linen, photo courtesy of Martumili Artists, source  www.suzanneoconnell.com
Parnngurr, Bugai Whyoulter, Acrylic on Belgian linen, photo courtesy of Martumili Artists, source: www.suzanneoconnell.com

Wantili Tuwa, Bugai Whyoulter, Acrylic on Belgian linen, photo courtesy of Martumili Artists, source  www.suzanneoconnell.com
Wantili Tuwa, Bugai Whyoulter, Acrylic on Belgian linen, photo courtesy of Martumili Artists, source: www.suzanneoconnell.com

Photo by Suzanne O'Connell 2Gallery shoot: Photo by Suzanne O'Connell 2

Guest writer: What’s on in Queensland? Umi Arts Members’ Exhibition (Cairns)

Art and Artists blog is excited to introduce Jack Wilkie-Jans our new guest wrtier, I hope you enjoy his first post about the Umi Arts Members' Exhibition at Umi Arts Gallery (335 Sheridan Street, North Cairns, QLD, 4870) on 12th February – 25th March, 2015…

This year Umi Arts gallery celebrates their 10th anniversary of operation in representing A&TSI artists and with the inauguration of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in 2009, Umi Arts as the leading gallery in Queensland for representing and promoting Indigenous Australian art (contemporary and traditional) truly began to get noticed by larger galleries and serious collectors both at home and abroad.

The annual 'You & Me' Members' Exhibition each year for the past ten, showcases some of the region's best A&TSI artists and of course the eclectic combination of style, mediums and concepts they share between them. This year's line-up of artists features some of the most respected, enduring and promising established artists from the area such as Arone Meeks, Heather Koowootha, Paul Bong and Rosella Namok.

At this exhibition the viewer will be treated to a mini-maze of portable plinths and partition walls all decorated with the finest art & artefacts to represent the broader skills and style base of the gallery's numerous artists. While the 'You & Me' show for this year features only 16 of the gallery's rather expansive membership (including three works by yours truly) it reflects not only the diversity of the artists but also, and more significantly, highlights the enduring and ever-changing idea of what "Indigenous" art is.

So if you're a lover or learner of Indigenous Art and if you're considering an arts & cultural pilgrimage away from the big cities please be sure to head up to Cairns and visit the Umi Arts gallery. Of course many of the Umi Arts artists can be seen at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and the Biennale of Sydney, as well as around the traps at various other state and national public and private galleries.

Keep an eye out for the Umi Arts name and a finger on the rapidly growing pulse of creativity coming from the Far North!

Arone Meeks

  Arone Meeks, Spirit Ark, 2012, Linocut on Arches BFK 300 gsm (Edition of 35), 110cm x 170cm, Photography by Michael Marzik

Sharon Karami

Sharon Karami, Bamboo Grove Path, 2014 Digital Photography, 42cm x 60cm, Photography courtesy of the artist.

Thomas BosenThomas Bosen, Magpie Geese laying eggs, 2014, Acrylic on Canvas, 122cm x 76cm, Photography by Michael Marzik

Bernard Singleton1

Bernard Singleton, Damarri Guyala-djada, 2014, Wattle/flat acrylic, feather, beeswax, (work 1) 250cm x 46cm x 10cm, (work 2- right of image) 250cm x 40cm x 10cm. Photography by Michael Marzik

Robert Tommy Pau

Robert Tommy Pau, Bigo (Rain Making Bull Roar), 2014, Digital print on panel, 85cm (h), Photograph courtesy of UMI Arts  

Author: Jack Wilkie-Jans
Jack is an artist and writer as well as an Alumni of the National Gallery of Australia's Wesfarmer's Indigenous Arts Leadership program from Far North Queensland.
www.jackandrewwilkiejans.weebly.com