Three Exhibitions at Godinymayin

Merrepen Arts is a strong dynamic indigenous art centre, firmly
anchored on the banks of the Daly River. Like the waterway, the
centre has ebbed and flowed: always moving forward with assistance
from the local women.
The story of the art centre began in 1986 when a Women’s Centre
Majellan House was opened in Nauiyu, 230 kilometres southwest from
Darwin. The community is surrounded by small rocky hills, luxuriant
wetlands, and is home to a large variety of wildlife.
Almost as soon as the centre was set up the Nauiyu women
demonstrated amazing untapped artistic skills. Given painting materials
their latent skills became a creative centre, and Merrepen Arts was
founded. The name comes from the local sand palm plant and was
chosen as a mark of respect for the older women who used the fibres of
the plant to make their dillybags and baskets.
Over time tutors and later managers with various skills were brought into
Nauiyu to assist the business of promoting and selling the art. In 1992 a
dedicated screen-printing studio was added to Merrepen Arts and in
1999 a new gallery and residence established. These days both men and
women are making art and exhibiting there—although women have
always remained the backbone of the centre (as artists, board members,
arts workers, and general support staff).
We Are Strong Women—Ngagurr awa falmi, lurrity napa ngannim, is a
celebration for all the Nauiyu women artists. Their combined talents,
strength, resilience, and tenacity have come to Godinymayin. Curated
by Merrepen Manager Dr Cathy Laudenbach, the work of six artists is
featured: Patricia Marrfurra McTaggart AM, Marita Sambono, Christina
Yambeing, AnnCarmel Mulvien, Nola Jimarin and Carmen Gilbert.
These powerful women work in a variety of mediums, from textiles,
painting, print making to ceramics and unique merchandise. At
Godinymayin, we are grateful for their presence here, and for the
partnership with Merrepen Arts. The strong women of Nauiyu hope you
enjoy their work.