'RARRK - LONDON': 21 September - 7 October 2007

A three-week exhibition of over 100 major works of Aboriginal art from Western Arnhem Land in Australia's Northern Territory will be on display from 21 September to 7 October at the Bargehouse Gallery, on London's South Bank.

RARRK - LONDON will present over 100 paintings and sculptures by 15 different artists who are creating some of the most dynamic Aboriginal art to come out of Australia in recent years. The exhibition will include multiple sculptural installations, video, and a selection of more than 30 bark paintings - some over 2m in height.

Josh Lilley Fine Art, in conjunction with Maningrida Arts and Culture, a Northern Territory community based art centre, responsible for the cultural assets of the Aboriginal people in the Maningrida region, has organised the exhibition which is being supported by Tourism NT. RARRK - LONDON is evidence of the growing international status of Aboriginal art as a vibrant contemporary art form. The exhibition will include painting and sculpture by the internationally acclaimed John Mawurndjul, as well as works by leading artists Samuel Namunjdja and Owen Yalandja. This is the first time a major survey exhibition of their work has been conducted in London and the exhibition aims to address preconceptions of Aboriginal art as being purely ethnographic or anthropological. An extensive full colour catalogue featuring essays from contemporary art critics as well as Australian academics, will accompany the exhibition.

Robert Hardless, Regional Director Europe, Tourism NT said: "Aboriginal art is significant to everyday Aboriginal life in the Northern Territory. The creation stories, traditional laws and customs have been passed down through paintings and inscriptions for tens of thousands of years. We are working with Aboriginal artists and communities to offer art lovers and collectors opportunities to meet artists and to discover their ancestral heritage through their art work. Visitors can explore a number of newly created Aboriginal art trails to learn about remote art centres and discover natural galleries of ancient rock art within our world heritage national parks.�

For more information visit: www.australiasoutback.com

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1. RARRK - LONDON takes place from 21 September to 7 October 2007 at the Bargehouse Gallery, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH.

2. Josh Lilley Fine Art launched in the summer of 2006. Visit: www.joshlilleyfineart.com

3. Arnhem Land is a region rich with Aboriginal culture and art. There are art centres located in remote townships where art can be purchased. Permits are required for traveling into Arnhem Land. These can be obtained through the Northern Land Council. Visit: www.australiasoutback.com

4. Maningrida Arts and Culture represents more than 700 artists who work with bark paintings, timber sculptures, fibre art, didgeridoos, regalia, prints and bronze sculptures. These collections are displayed in major national and international collections, as wells as local museums like the Djomi Museum also located in Maningrida. Permits to travel to Maningrida must be obtained from the Northern Land Council but entry to the art centre is free. www.maningrida.com

5. Darwin, the Northern Territory�s capital city, is well-known as Australia�s gateway to world class nature and culture activities and experiences. With a population of approximately 100,000, it is a vibrant destination renowned for its tropical climate and colourful characters.

6. Darwin International Airport has regular scheduled flights to Maningrida operated by Airnorth. Visit: www.airnorth.com

7. Visitors can make international connections to Singapore, which is just over four hours away. Services are operated by Tiger and Jetstar/Qantas.

8. Darwin International Airport also serves Bali (Garuda Indonesia), Brunei (Royal Brunei) and East Timor (Airnorth). Qantas operates domestic flights between Alice Springs, Gove, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Virginblue flies to Brisbane, Skywest and Airnorth Regionallink fly to Broome.

For further information, images and interviews contact Abby Smith or Iona-Jane McGilchrist Tel: 020 7287 0652 Email tourismntmedia@keenepa.co.uk