Artbank presents Kurunpa Kunpu / Strong Spirit, a cross-cultural design collaboration between Tanya Singer, Errol Evans and Trent Jansen, with skillful craftmanship and design development by Chris Nicholson and Mast Furniture in the realisation of high-end collectible furniture designs. The exhibition includes a cabinet, four chairs, and a large shield exhibited alongside a selection of works from the Artbank Collection.
Tanya Singer (Minyma Anangu woman) from Indulkana, South Australia, and Errol Evans (a Djabugay and Western Yalanji man) from far North Queensland, are highly skilled wood (punu) artists. Tanya was taught by Minyma Anangu elders and Errol was instructed by his grandfather in Lower Kowrowa. Both are known for their skill in embodying sophisticated cultural narratives in carved forms, and continue to develop their practices, representing lived experiences of contemporary Aboriginality in artistic expression. Tanya and Errol work as a team in their well-equip workshop at Railway Bore. They turn their fastidious eye for detail to the carving of exquisite, large shield forms and refined vessels and weapons.
Trent Jansen is a non-Indigenous collectible furniture designer from Thirroul, New South Wales, with 11 years experience collaborating with Indigenous Australian designers and championing Indigenous Australian material culture as critical embodiment of Australian identity.
Over a 3 year period Tanya, Errol, and Trent spent time in each other’s’ communities learning from unique relationships with Country, family, and community, and engaging with each other’s’ cultural practices and traditions. Concepts of sharing and exchange focused the collaboration in ways that ensure balanced inputs from each collaborator in creative decision making, ensuring symmetrical co-authorship.
A collaboration between these three practitioners is facilitated and co-funded by the American Hardwood Export Council, Australia Council for the Arts, University of New South Wales, Fremantle Arts Centre, Arts South Australia, and Maruku Arts.
KURUNPA KUNPU | STRONG SPIRIT
Artbank Melbourne
Exhibition continues May 23 – July 14
