Queensland artist Shirley Macnamara of the Indjalandji-Dhidhanu/Alyawarr people is an inspirational figure in Indigenous Australian art. The exhibition highlights Macnamara’s unique sculptural pieces crafted from the spinifex plant and its runner roots covering the full span of her practice from 1997 to 2019. Evolving narratives and subtle changes in technique and materials are a hallmark of the artist’s practice.
“OUR OLD PEOPLE USED TO SAY ‘DYINALA’ MEANING BY AND BY; WAIT, HAVE PATIENCE, ALL THINGS WILL WORK OUT IN TIME. ‘NGANINYA’ MEANING THIS WAY – FOR ME THIS MEANS MAKING MY ART THIS WAY, WHICH IS MY WAY. ”
Shirley Macnamara
An accompanying catalogue will focus on the beauty and diversity of Macnamara’s work and also reflect her views on her people’s culture and history, and her observations of the natural world.
Image: Shirley Macnamara, Australia b.1949 / Erkel (Vessel) 2010 / Twined spinifex (Triodia longiceps) with nylon thread, red ochre, galah feathers and synthetic polymer fixative / 14 x 31 x 25cm / Purchased 2010 with funds from the Bequest of Grace Davies and Nell Davies through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Shirley Macnamara
