By SHANNON POWER
FOR the first time in its eight-year history the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre will host an exhibition by an indigenous artist.
The paintings of Ande K Tarare will be on display at the Altona gallery as a part of NAIDOC week; the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples.
Mr Tarare said it was important for Aboriginal art to be shown because it gives people the chance to see it up close and also meet the artists.
“People are curious by nature and seeing this exhibition might inspire them to go and see another Aboriginal artist,” Mr Tarare said.
Louis Joel’s centre manager Jill Bilston is excited to get traditional art into the community, especially because the exhibition runs through the school holidays and she expects a lot of families to see it.
Ms Bilston said they were “absolutely thrilled” to be hosting the exhibition for NAIDOC week and said all paintings will have printed information about the technique used.
The exhibition will also serve a greater political purpose.
“It’s a good thing that non-Aboriginal organisations like galleries and councils take on NAIDOC week, because it is an important part of the reconciliation process,” said Jason Kanoa, the co-chairperson of NAIDOC week.
Ande K Tarare is happy that new people will learn about his people’s culture: “it’s storytelling through art,” he said.
The exhibition runs from 5-21 July at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, 5 Sargood St, Altona.
