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The Purple House

  • Art, Paintings
  • Recommended
A gorgeous vibrant work by First Nations artist Patrick Olodoodi Tjungurrayi  that looks like rows upon rows of train tracks in various earthen shades
Photograph: © Patrick Olodoodi Tjungurrayi | detail of 'Untitled', 2004, Patrick Olodoodi Tjungurrayi
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Time Out says

A celebratory show of works by Pintupi artists who helped raise funds for a remarkable health service

Pintupi artists from the Western Deserts came together in 2000 to drive a hugely successful fundraising campaign, auctioning off beautiful large-scale works to help fund The Purple House, a First Nations-run, community-controlled, non-profit health service. Two decades later, that service has grown exponentially, and Art Gallery of NSW salutes their remarkable achievements.

Curated by Time Out Arts Future Shaper Coby Edgar, The Purple House exhibition – on display and free to visit until February 27, 2022 – brings together eight historically significant works by Pintupi artists. Edgar says, “The Purple House is an example of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can be successful in developing business models that work for their communities. The Purple House helps people living in remote communities, including some of Australia’s most senior artists, to lead happier and healthier lives, allowing them to record and share their stories for future generations.’

The Purple House director Irene Nangala adds, “I was in Sydney for that auction 21 years ago. We were dreaming for one dialysis machine in Kintore so that our families could come home. It was a great night. We were all so proud and happy. People were very kind. The money raised helped us get our family home to Kintore and then we kept going and going. We are still working hard to help get more people home and keep their spirits strong.”

Need more art in your life? Here's our guide to what's opening

Stephen A Russell
Written by
Stephen A Russell

Details

Address:
Price:
Free
Opening hours:
Daily 10am-5pm
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