Martumili Arts’ new exhibition has created a space for all to enjoy and learn about Mirrka, also known as bushfoods or bushtucker, through a vibrant, thoughtful exhibition that invites the community to immerse themselves in the artwork, learning from local Martumili Artists about Country and traditional weaving practices.
The exhibition, curated by Sylvia Wilson, is an ode to Mirrka and features more than 80 artworks that explores traditional bushfoods in an immersive setting. These bushfoods have sustained Martu people over thousands of years, as well as the rich knowledge of these foods that has been passed down through generations.
The exhibition highlights the second instalment in a five year, three stage collaborative project between Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa (KJ) and Martumili Artists aimed at preserving and communicating traditional Martu knowledge of Country.
Woven honey ants, imagery of bush tomatoes, goannas and desert peas are just some of the foods that can be seen depicted in the fun and interactive exhibition.
Traditional basket weaving can not only be admired, but the community has been invited to participate in a continuous weaving circle, sitting on swags to give people the sense of being out in the bush, collecting bushfoods while experiencing the art around them.
Artist Marlene Anderson led the weaving circle and said many came to learn more about bushfoods and Martu Country.
“People want to learn from Martu people so we teach them how to paint, how to do weaving,” she said.
“I paint about my country, swimming in the waterholes and claypans, out in the desert.” The exhibition will continue until November, Martumili Arts is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm.
