Borroloola : Group Show

Borroloola is a small town of about 900 people located on the McArthur River, approximately 960 kms southeast of Darwin. Representing artists from four different language groups, Yanyuwa, Garrawa, Mara and Gurdanji, the Waralungku Arts Centre, Aboriginal owned and controlled, has been around since 2003.

The Yanyuwa and Marra are referred to as 'saltwater people' and are associated with the Sir Edward Pellew Islands and the lower reaches of the McArthur and Limmen Rivers. The Gundanji and Garrawa people are known as 'mainland or freshwater people' and are associated with land to the south and east of the present township of Borroloola. Gundanji lands include the site of the McArthur River Mine. Garrawa lands are near the Queensland border near Wollogorang Station and Robinson River.

Inspired by this unique dual landscape the artists seek to show both their homeland and history through their art. The artists' work has been described as ' a fresh look at country through new eyes, colour and styles' (Stewart Hoosan’s Country Exhibition) and ‘presenting a rare and important visual account of the Gulf frontier as seen through eyes that witnessed the imposition of pastoral capital on the traditional ways of indigenous people’ (Nancy Mcdinny’s Frontier Stories Exhibition).

This show features the work of Borroloola artists Thelma Dixon, Reggie Hoosan, Nancy Mcdinny and the recently departed Norman Kingsley.