Week 8

In a previous post, I have looked at the Better World Arts group and what they have helped 

accomplish since they were established in 1991.

The Better World Arts group help produce a vast ranges of products which 

include stainless steel jewellery, various other styles (which will be looked at in coming posts) and gift cards, to name a few. 

Walka

By Mulykuya Ken

This card design is a snippet from Mrs Ken's original painting created during a weekly art workshop at the Better World Arts space in Port Adelaide. The title of this piece, Walka, describes any meaningful mark or pattern which could be found amongst the natural environment. These markings have a cultural and ritual significance which can be seen on the body during a traditional song, dance (inma) or a ceremony. 

This representation of Walka shows various animal footprints and markings alongs the Australian 

landscape and in particular around Mrs Ken's homeland.  

As Mrs Ken has presented, the environment is a source of inspiration. The use of colour describes the change of season with its rich wildlife inhabitance. As seen, the background fades between an orchid and a warm pink and shows the heat of the dessert sun. The use of gold and silver placed around each black mark creates movement through the card. 

Overall this card is striking with a contemporary edge and speaks to a wide audience. Although its not set for any particular theme, this card can be used for any occasion especially when given with any gift.

Week 7

Mondo Rondo Utopia Collection

The Utopia collection features the artists Minni Pwerle, Gloria Petyarr and Barbara Weir who are from the Utopia region, 240km North East of Alice Springs. As the other collection, all pieces are handmade by Mondo Rondo and have the artists name and art work name engraved on the back. 

The Utopia collection has a more contemporary feel utilising both black and white and colour.

Gloria Petyarr

Utilising both colour and black and white, Gloria has created flowing designs using a seed style shape. Each piece has a mind of its own leads you around the page and describes a particular plant that is used in bush medicine

Minnie Pwerle

Likewise, Minnie has explored both black and white and coloured pieces that showcase her unique contemporary feel with a high contrast. Both circles and lines are used also showing a 

directional downward flow. 

Barbara Weir

Using a more muted colour palette, Barbara uses lines to depict grass seed. The yellow highlights create hierarchy and the starting point which the flow moves from. 

As a whole, the collection is quite contemporary compared to the Warlukurlangu Collection. The style presented by each artists is different by works together to compliment each other within this collection.

This would have to be one of my prefered styles of Aboriginal Art as it is something that can be worn in a contemporary context and can match various styles. 

Week 6

Mondo Rondo Jewellery

Mondo Rondo is a Jewellery company that collaborates with various Indigenous artist's and communities to bring Aboriginal art into a modern context. The pieces of work are imprinted onto necklaces and earrings to and sold at various locations around Australia. Mondo Rondo feature three main collections which will be touched upon over the next few weeks.

This week I will be looking at the Warlukurlangu Collection.

The Warlukurlangu Collection is an amalgamation of Aboriginal artists that come from the Yuendemu Arts Centre, a remote community 300km North West of Alice Springs. This collection features numerous artists that have more of a traditional style of Aboriginal art. Each artist has created a design which is then imprinted onto both a necklace and earrings.

Below are some of the artists featured within this collection.

The collection features 12 Aboriginal artists, with each showcasing a different style. The colours and patterns predominately show dots and lines and when seen from a far the combination changes the depth to each design.