Three Echoes Exhibition

Things to Do
Written By Meg Miller
A picture of a traditional art piece painted by Indigenous artist Polly Nelson Ngale. Includes tones of red and brown, with plants and what looks like geckos painted in white and tones of orange.

Polly Nelson Ngale (born c.1936) Anmatyerre language group

Between 2022 and 2026, the Three Echoes – Western Desert Art exhibition will travel to 13 regional centres throughout Australia – and from now until 27 August 2023, you can see the collection for yourself at the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale, NSW.

In the 1970s, curator Djon Mundine’s father told him of a time when he was growing up in Bandjalung Country, people would ‘Coo-ee’ to one another to announce their arrival in certain areas. Coming through the woods or up the river, the sound would reverberate off river banks and cliff faces, and the receiver would respond. 

Around the same time, ceremonial elders living at Papunya Aboriginal Government settlement near Alice Springs were inspired to transfer the creation stories of the land and people onto canvas. Now, this same echo has been brought to life through art – being shared back and forth with the wider Australian community through the Three Echoes exhibition. 

Holding deep cultural significance for First Nations peoples and resonating with stories of tjukurrpa (Dreaming) and the profound connections between families, ancestors, and the natural world, this awe-inspiring exhibition offers audiences a chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of Western Desert Art. 

Curated by acclaimed curator, writer, artist and activist Djon Mundine OAM FAHA, Three Echoes showcases works by 57 artists heralding from Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff), Papunya and Utopia Aboriginal communities in the western desert regions of the Northern Territory, including the likes of Billy Stockman Tjapaltjarri, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Narputta Nangala Jugadai, Long Tom Tjapanangka, Dr George Tjapaltjarri, Gloria Petyarre and Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

Do yourself a favour and spend some time browsing the collection, or find out more here. 

neram.com.au
@nerammusuem
106-114 Kentucky Street, Armidale NSW 2350

A picture if a traditional painting by Indigenous artist Tommy Lowry Tjapaltjarri

Tommy Lowry Tjapaltjarri (born c.1935 – 1987) Pintupi language group

A picture if a traditional painting by Indigenous artist Long Tom Tjapanangka

Long Tom Tjapanangka (born 1929 – 2006) Pintupi/Ngaatjatjarra language groups

A picture of a painting by Indigenous artist Charlie Ward Tjakamarra

Charlie Ward Tjakamarra (born c.1940 – 2005) Pintupi language group

Meg Miller

Digital Marketing Manager.
Adventure seeking writer, free spirit, smitten aunt and dog mum.


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