We were delighted to have supported Tjanpi Desert Weavers to participate in an exhibition of contemporary Australian artists, String Theory: Focus on Contemporary Australian Art at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) between 16 August – 27 October 2013, and with the acquisition of one of the works from the show.

Fibre sculpture practice is relatively new to the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Lands and, as such, allows great freedom for experimentation in developing new and potent ways to express the complexities of cultural knowledge and lived experiences. Bush camps facilitate the creation of work in Country and allow women to be away from the demands of their communities for short periods of time. It is from here that marvellous innovations and new woven creations are conceived and produced. Project based bush camps bring together groups of women from a number of NPY communities and provide the incubator for these wonderful large creative works which evolve from the experience of working together.

The Museum of Contemporary Art commission marked a significant milestone. Collaborative projects such as these stretch artists conceptually, aesthetically and technically. Presenting a large scale work,in one of Australia’s most prestigious art museums showcased fibre art from the central and western desert region to new national and international audience and provided additional opportunities to support the weavers to create large scale sculptural works about culture and Country.

https://www.mca.com.au/collection/artists/tjanpi-desert-weavers/