TM Lighting brings to light Ngurra, an exhibition by JGM Gallery showcasing the works of 14 First Nations Australian artists. JGM Gallery is the leading specialist in contemporary art and the work of First Nations Australians.
The exhibition, Ngurra, meaning “Country” in many Indigenous Australian dialects, transcends the geographical connotation of the word, delving into the profound spiritual, cultural, and identity aspects associated with their ancestral lands. This theme is vividly brought to life by the illumination of TM ZeroSixty MainsTrack gallery spotlights. These spotlights provide 98CRI high colour rendition, ensuring that every hue and nuance in the artworks is rendered accurately.
The lighting at JGM Gallery adheres to TM Lighting’s 3Cs methodology: Colour Rendition enables viewers to witness the true colours intended by the artists; Colour Temperature is selected to complement the immediate environment, enhancing the viewer’s connection to the artworks; Colour Consistency is maintained throughout the exhibition, ensuring a harmonious visual experience.
The exhibition itself is a captivating journey through the lens of 14 artists, each presenting their unique interpretation of Country. From Keith Wikmunea’s illustrative works depicting the salt deposits and food sources of Aurukun’s coastal plains to the abstract yet spiritually resonant pieces by Mary Gibson and Kitty Simon, the range of styles is vast yet unified in theme. These artworks, often vibrant and animated through intricate dot and line work, embody a living, familial connection to the land, portraying the Country as a dynamic, integral part of Indigenous life.
Lindsay Nelson’s art, in particular, strikes a powerful chord. His paintings, set on mining maps, juxtapose traditional views of the land against the empirical, often destructive perspective of colonisation. This interplay highlights the profound differences between Aboriginal and Western perceptions of the natural world, making his work a poignant commentary on environmental and cultural respect.
The roster of exhibiting artists, including Bob Gibson, George Cooley, Judith Walkabout, and others, presents a rich tapestry of perspectives and styles, each contributing to the overarching narrative of Ngurra.
Photography by Ben Deakin