A collection of unique Aboriginal artwork currently on display in Paris has generated such a strong recognition and respect it is being touted to tour other French and European cities next year.
The artwork is part of The exhibiton Jarracharra: Dry season wind / Les vents de la saison sèche showcasing a collection of unique Aboriginal women's textile art from Bábbarra Women's Centre of Maningrida in Western Arnhem Land.
Jarracharra: Dry season wind is currently on display at the Australian embassy in Paris until January 2020.
Ingrid Johanson, Manager at the Bábbarra Women’s Centre and Janet Marawarr a long-time artist with the centre are astonished by the strong impact of their art on the the Parisian public.
The warm reception is such that the artists from Arnhem Land have had meetings with French designers willing to use the unique Aboriginal prints on their clothing.
There are also calls to take the exhibition to other French and European cities. “Instead of just a one-off show, the collection can be viewed in other parts of Europe. We continue to be contacted by people who are thrilled when they see the designs.
They are interested in the designs and want to know more about their stories,” Ingrid Johanson said in a yarn with NITV radio.
Ingrid and Janet also highlights that while in Paris the artists from Arhnem Land have had an opportunity to tell their stories themselves.
They also revealed that Bábbarra artists have been working with IDAIA who have developed a range of bags, zip pouches, upholstery cushions and beautiful lampshades adorned with their artwork.
Parallel to the exhibition at the Australian Embassy, IDAIA has rented a space in an art gallery in Paris where the objects adorning Bábbarra artists' artworks are displayed, showcasing all their potential uses.
It is worth noting that when the project to travel to France came together, about a year ago, the artists didn't have the $20.000 required for some of their travel expenses in the French capital.
But ones not to be let down by this obstacle they run a successful crowdfunding campaign raising $36.000 in the process.
The artists from Arnhem Land are grateful that their artwork is gaining recognition and respect in Europe. They also take the opportunity to thank all the crowd funders who have made the exhibition possible.
Jarracharra is open at the Australian Embassy in Paris until January 2020 and anyone traveling to Paris is invited to visit and see the unique textile prints.
