Love, Magic, and Ceremony

On View: April 8, 2005 – May 27, 2005
Friday, April 8, 2005 from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Highpoint Center for Printmaking proudly presents Yilpinji: Love, Magic, and Ceremony, a collection of prints by Kukatja and Warlpiri people of Australia’s Tanami Desert region. This international traveling exhibit, which explores the artists’ powerful tradition of love magic rituals, will debut in the U.S. when it opens at Highpoint on Friday, April 8, 2005. A free reception is set to take place that evening, from 6:30–9:00 PM; the public is invited to attend. The show will remain on view during regular gallery hours through May 27.

Yilpinji: Love, Magic, and Ceremony is the first print exhibit to thoroughly explore the Tanami Desert natives’ long-held tradition of love magic rituals. Called Yilpinji, these ceremonies involve expression and through painting, song, and dance, and are enacted by men and women to attract potential relationships. Simultaneously, Yilpinji can describe a myth-like narrative, or “Dreaming”, which affirms the tribe’s unique behavioral rules and ancestral connections to nature and landscape.

The exhibit’s highly esteemed artists—many of whom are teachers and elders in their communities—have depicted their Yilpinji love stories and customs using a vibrant visual language of symbols and icons. Michael Kershaw, Director of the Australian Art Print Network, has organized this traveling print show, which is the result of many cross-cultural partnerships. Highpoint is honored to help spread awareness of the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Aboriginal Australia through printmaking. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information on this exhibition please visit the Australian Aboriginal Art Prints website at: www.aboriginalartprints.com.au