One Island One Side – Brussels

Jilamara and Munupi artists will exhibit together this May, in Brussels!

Artwork from left to right, works by artists: Kaye Mary Orsto – Pwoja Jilamara – 120 x 80 cm. Cornelia Tipuamantumirri – Jilamara dances – 180 x 150 cm. Cornelia Tipuamantumirri – Jilamara dances – 90 x 60 cm

Translated:

Tiwi songs rise in the desert under the rhythm of wooden sticks, struck against each other in a slamming sound. The bodies rush into a rhythmic ritual dance, with almost metallic movements, where the feet hit the ground loudly. The dust rises under the steps of the officiants in a cloud inviting the spirits to the party.

On the skin of the dancers, the body paintings undulate, vibrate, throb. They deform, take volume, hollow themselves following the movements of the dance. The legs of the dancers compose iterative geometric shapes and other movements codified with captivating kinetics. The dust of sand rises again and adds to the mystery.

A little further in the Tiwi Islands, the chant with flowing accents captivates the guests in the tropical humidity of the place. The smoke of the fire twirls in the air. Like incense in our countries, a solemn dynamic carries our senses. The skin is adorned with the most subtle finery with ritual body paintings. Zebra, vibratory, triangular, they adorn the legs and bust like a plastron as luxurious as ephemeral. It took several hours for initiates to adorn the body of young novices.