‘Balgo: Contemporary Australian Art from the Balgo Hills’ an exhibition portraying the indigenous art of Australia was opened by Wimal Rubasinghe, the Secretary to the Ministry of Culture and Arts on behalf of the Minister T B Ekanayake.
Balgo art in Australia represents the lives and history of the Kukataya language speaking indigenous people living in the small community of Balgo Hills, in Western Australia. Iconic and narrative, the indigenous paintings and etchings are inspired by the culture and traditions of the artists at the Warlayirti Artists Art Centre in the Balgo Hills region telling stories that depict the strong bond that the Aboriginal people have with their traditions and the way they are being maintained today.
Introducing Balgo, Kathy Klugman, the Australian High Commissioner said, “we are delighted to bring this exhibition to Sri Lanka. Contemporary indigenous Australian art is a dynamic expression of one of the world’s most ancient artistic traditions”. Also speaking at the event Wimal Rubasignhe, the Secretary to the Ministry of Culture and Arts, thanked the High Commissioner and highlighted the significance of art and culture and the steps taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to develop cultural affairs in the country while maintaining relationships with countries such as India, China and Australia so that the people of Sri Lanka are given the opportunity to appreciate the art and culture of these nations.
The exhibition features 26 paintings and etchings.
