Hand-printed woodblock textiles co-created by Bábbarra Women’s Centre, Maningrida and Tharangini Studio, India.

Karri-djarrk-durrkmirri means we work together in the Indigenous language of Kuninjku.

Supported by the Australian Government’s Centre for Australia India Relations, this exhibition has been two years in the making. It honours the rich textile traditions of the Indo-pacific Region and tells women’s cultural and ancestral stories in a new way.

80 woodblocks were carved in India based on the lino designs made by generations of Babbarra Women’s Centre artists. They were then printed and embroidered in India in a slow and considered process of briefing and consultation.

Many hands have brought the djang (dreaming) stories of the Maningrida and Djelk region of Arnhem Land alive. Exhibition curators and printers, Anshu Arora and Prithi Pais said

‘The act of printing is one of careful consideration. It drew us deeper into the meaning and history that saturates every motif. Their deep connection to their landscape opens up a space for reflection in the context of our world today.’

This exhibition honours the cultural heritage of the Indo-pacific region. It celebrates Bábbarra Women’s Centre as they continue to innovate and tell their personal stories through rich textile traditions.

Exhibition Dates: Saturday 13 June to Saturday 12 July 2025

Opening Night: 5.30pm, Friday 12th June 2025

Drinks available for purchase at the bar and light canapes.  

 

Location: Tactile Arts Gallery 
19 Conacher St, The Gardens, NT

Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 2pm
(Please Note: The gallery is only open during exhibitions and does not open on public holidays)

Image Credits:

Thumbnail: Photographer - Anahita Ananth, Model - Cindy Rostron, Sari - Jay Rostron, Copyright 2024

Header: Photographer - Anahita Ananth; Bábbarra Women's Centre artists, India 2024

 

Visit the Bábbarra Women's Centre Website to see more information.

 

Full list of collaborators:

Leading Artists: Deborah Wurrkidj, Jennifer Wurrkidj (dec), Janet Marawarr, Raylene Bonson, Susan Marawarr, Joy Garlbin, Helen Lanyinwanga (dec), Lucy Yarawanga, Nancy Gununwanga (dec), Carol Liyawanga, Abigial Gurawiliwili Namundja, Ruth Bindiedbal, Susan Marawarr, Jay Jurrupula Rostron, Elizabeth Wullunmingu, V. Bangarra, Marilyn James, Belinda Kernan and Jocelyn Koyloe with Owen Yalandja

 

Art Centres: Bábbarra Women’s Centre, Tharangini Studio and Porgai Artisans Association

Exhibition Design & Curation: Anshu Arora, Prithi Pais, Jessica Stalenberg & Elizabeth Martin

Print Composition & Embroidery Guidance: Anshu Arora & Prithi Pais

Wood Block Carvers: Shri C.H. Sreeram & Shri S.K. Rajak

Hand woven Fabrics: Nanditha Sulur & Green Tailor

Embroidery Artists: Ramani, M.Vasanthi & Sangeetha (Porgai Artisans)

Project facilitators: Jessica Stalenberg, Padmini Govind & Ziian Carey

Video installation: Naina Sen and Anahita Ananth

Photography: Anahita Ananth, Jessica Stalenberg, Ziian Carey