WATCH | William Mora Indigenous Art Centre Program: Artist Portraits

Supporting the fully funded participation of Indigenous-owned art centres at Melbourne Art Fair, the William Mora Indigenous Art Centre Program aims to promote and provide curatorial and commercial opportunities for Indigenous Australian artists working on Country and in communities across Australia. The 17th edition of the Fair welcomes Paula Savage presented by Moa Arts (Mua Lag/Moa Island); Leon Russell Black presented by Munupi Arts & Crafts Association (Pirlangimpi/Garden Point); Candy Nelson Nakamarra presented by Papunya Tjupi Arts (Papunya) and Keith Wikmunea presented by Wik & Kugu Arts Centre (Aurukun). Discover each artist’s unique process and practice ahead of their exhibitions at Melbourne Art Fair 2024.

The WMIACP is funded by the Australian Government Office for the Arts Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) Program, and generously supported by Bennelong Funds Management and Morgans Financial Limited.

Moa Arts (Mua Lag/Moa Island), Booth I5
Paula Savage

Following her Melbourne Design Week Award win in 2023, Paula Savage will exhibit a new series of large-scale woven objects and mats, supported by prints and woven paper works at the Art Fair this year. Paula’s approach to art making is essentially quotidian and inseparable from the experiences of her own life. ‘I am interested in everything. Weaving, lino printing, tie-dying, drawing, carving, and jewellery making. But my works are all based on my heritage, the cultural laws and customs we still practice today.’ – Paula Savage.

Munupi Arts & Crafts Association (Pirlangimpi/Garden Point), Booth H3
Leon Russell Black

Drawing inspiration from their natural lush environment and Tiwi creation stories, artists at Munupi Arts & Crafts Association employ ochres, gouache and acrylic paint. “I only paint with natural ochres: red, yellow and white on black background…..in my paintings I can tell everything  about my life in Pirlangimpi, paint all these things in the Tiwi way, in my way, my own way” – Leon Russell Black. A finalist in the 2021 Telstra NATSIAA and the 2021 Churchie Emerging Artist Prize, Leon will exhibit a series of his large-scale paintings at the Fair.

Papunya Tjupi Arts (Papunya), Booth M2
Candy Nelson Nakamarra

Central to Papunya Tjupi Arts is the understanding that painting is a part of culture and connection to country, and that the teaching and passing of knowledge is what keeps the community’s future strong. The 100% Aboriginal owned and directed community arts organisation will present new works depicting the Kalipinypa Water Dreaming story by painter Candy Nelson Nakamarra. Candy has a distinct, evolving style employing bold, contrasting colours and layered drips, drawing and outlining to create sophisticated, sought after contemporary works.

Wik & Kugu Arts Centre, Booth L6
Keith Wikmunea

Wik & Kugu Art Centre‘s primary function is the commercial production of fine art that provides sustainable cultural and economic opportunities for over 30 established and emerging artists. Aurukun’s visual art embodies Ancestral narratives that support and maintain spiritual and historical connections to Country. Winner of the 2023 Telstra NATSIAA Art Award, Keith Wikmunea will showcase his sculptural works at Melbourne Art Fair.

The William Mora Indigenous Art Centre Program presents a platform for curatorial and commercial opportunities for participating art centres, recognising and responding to an increase in national and international interest in collecting works from Indigenous Australian artists.

Melbourne Art Fair takes place 22 – 25 February 2024. Secure tickets to explore and collect contemporary art here.