Babbarra Women’s Centre artists to exhibit work in international exhibit in India

A group of NT artists are set to ‘redefine the boundaries’ of traditional art in an international showcase.

NT artists will return to India to display their designs in a collaborative exhibit at the Bangalore International Centre.

Four artists from West Arnhem’s Bábbarra Women’s Centre will make the trek in September to unite with the Tharangini Studio.

A spokeswoman for the Centre said the women would take part in a woodblock workshop before they “redefine the boundaries of traditional artistry”.

Deborah Wurrkidj printing at Tharangini Studio, Bangalore, in 2023. Picture: Jessica Stalenberg

Janet Marawarr and D. Wurrkidj with colourists from Tharangini Studio, Bangalore, in 2023. Picture: Jessica Stalenberg

“The group of artists, including four local Indian designers, will learn and co-create textiles using woodblock and organic dyes,” the spokeswoman said.

“These textiles together with other designs by Bábbarra Women’s Centre will be included in the Bangalore International Centre exhibition.”

The exhibit will be open from 4-20 October, 2024, before it travels to Darwin.

The display will feature in the Top End in 2025.

The group’s travel is supported by a prestigious grant from the Centre for Australia’s India Relations’ Maitri Cultural Partnerships program.

It comes after the group travelled to the South Asian nation in January last year to trade artistic tips and tricks across cultures.