EXHIBITION
Altherrpe
Exhibition dates: 16 May—27 June
OPENING
Saturday 16 May 10AM—12PM
Workshop TBC
WTS GALLERY HOURS
Tuesday to Friday, 12—5PM
Saturday, 10AM—2PM
8 Gap Road, Mparntwe (Alice Springs) NT 0870
Altherrpe (meaning Claypan in Central and Eastern Arrernte) is a body of work sourced from claypan country in and around Mparntwe. Working with wild clay is a process of connecting with country through country. The works in this exhibition are a part of the contemporary continuation of an ancient cultural tradition that embodies the land and its story.
“My practice is a tangible and tactile way for me to understand and express my deepening relationship to community, culture and country. The creation of each of the works in this exhibition began with the act of acknowledging this relationship, by introducing myself to country before gathering, then going onto soaking, sifting, shaping and firing the clay. I would like to acknowledge and thank Traditional Owner Felicity Hayes, for her guidance and giving me permission to source this clay to share in this form.”
Lille Madden is a Northern Arrernte, Kalkadoon and Bundjalung emerging artist, living and working in Mparntwe. Her practice is inspired by and a reflection of the uniqueness of desert country. For many years Lille has been experimenting with different clay bodies, materials, firing, sourcing, building and throwing techniques and is drawn to natural materials which have become central to her practice. For over a decade, Lille has worked in conservation, as a ranger in recent years, and is now part of the land management team at the Central Land Council, supporting women to care for country.
Acknowledgements:
Felicity Hayes
Mel Kean
Children’s Ground
Mel Robson
Alinta Rose
Tangentyere Artists
Mark Cole
Central Crafts
Yul Scarf
Watch This Space
Special thanks:
Hetti Perkins
Dylan River
Franky Gorey
Family and friends


