Iwantja Arts Take To New York Metropolis, With A ‘Rock N Roll’ Exhibition!

‘We’re not in Indulkana anymore!’ 

That is what artists Vincent Namatjira and Kaylene Whiskey couldn’t assist repeating to one another throughout their current journey to New York Metropolis.

For one week, the artists swapped the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in South Australia, for bustling Manhattan life to open their new (and first ever) exhibition in New York,Iwantja Rock n Roll’, with Yankunytjatjara man Tiger Yaltangki at Fort Gansevoort gallery. 

The exhibition, which wrapped up final week, proved to be a very memorable expertise for the artists, who ticked off many ‘firsts’ throughout their journey! 

‘Initially we had been nervous,’ explains Vincent. ‘The lengthy flight was actually powerful, after which town was enormous and a bit overwhelming. However we had a number of enjoyable.’

In between assembly curators from The Metropolitan Museum of Artwork and critics from the New York Occasions, Vincent, Kaylene and their good friend Johnny Doolan visited the Statue of Liberty, rode the Staten Island ferry, noticed Occasions Sq. through bus tour, went bowling and tried all of the ‘totally different – and at all times large – meals’!

‘We couldn’t imagine the dimensions of the meals over there,’ Vincent says. ‘We’d purchase a pizza and when it got here out, it will be as huge because the desk!’

And, while the sights – and meals – had been unforgettable, it’s the popularity and exhibition of their work collectively that can stay their most particular reminiscence; ‘At our artwork centre, all of us assist one another, so we’re actually proud to have had this particular exhibition collectively,’ says Vincent. 

‘Iwantja Rock N Roll’ shared a glimpse into the lives of Vincent, Kaylene and Tiger in Central Australia – not solely showcasing tradition and Nation, but additionally demonstrating that Indigenous artists from distant communities are creating stunning and daring up to date work, too. 

‘We respect the traditions of our Elders, however we’re additionally in search of new instructions with our artwork,’ Vincent says. 

The title of the exhibition references the affect music has on all three artists’ works. Vincent explains, ‘I’m rocking the AC/DC t-shirt whereas assembly the Queen; Kaylene has painted her hero Dolly Parton; and Tiger’s mamu are enjoying electrical guitars! All of us have totally different types, however our love of music is one thing that ties us collectively.’ 

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