Workshop proofs donated to CDU Art Collection 

 
 
Manager of Northern Editions, Emma Fowler-Thomason, shows Vice-Chancellor Helen Garnett, Patron of the CDU Art Collection, through some Balgo etchings from the recent Workshop Proof donation

Charles Darwin University’s Northern Editions printmaking studio and gallery has donated 19 workshop proofs to the CDU Art Collection.

This latest donation includes limited edition prints by celebrated Balgo artists Eubena Nampitjin, Boxer Milner, Helicopter Joe Tjungurrayi and Kathleen Paddoon and builds on a long tradition of ongoing donations by Northern Editions to the University’s Art Collection.

Manager of Northern Editions, Emma Fowler-Thomason said the first donation of workshop proofs dated back to the establishment of the print workshop in 1993. The production of a workshop proof was standard printmaking practice and provided a means of recording the history of the art work created at a print workshop, she said.

“The early insight of the former Chancellor Nancy Giese OA OBE and the University’s print workshop co-founder, Leon Stainer, has ensured that the University has both a beautiful collection and wonderful archive which charts the legacy of artists who have printed art work at Northern Editions,” Ms Fowler-Thomason said.

“Northern Editions has played a key role in the development and growth of the vibrant Indigenous printmaking movement and the prints held in the CDU Art Collection tell a significant part of that story nationwide.”

During the past 15 years Northern Editions has collaborated with more than 200 artists including internationally renowned luminaries Rover Thomas, Paddy Bedford, Dorothy Napangardi, John Mawurndjul, Judy Watson and Queenie McKenzie.

The workshop proofs donated to the Art Collection by Northern Editions accounts for at least two-thirds of its holdings, making it one of the largest Australian Indigenous print collections in the world, with more than 1200 works.

For further information regarding Northern Editions contact Emma Folwer-Thomason on 8946 7353 or emma.fowler-thomason@cdu.edu.au. For information regarding the CDU Art Collection contact the Curator, Anita Angel on 8946 6621.