We don’t need a map: a Martu experience of the Western Desert brings the spirit of the Western Desert to the Araluen Arts Centre.

“We don’t need a map celebrates the distinct visual language of the Martu, the traditional owners of a vast area of Western Australia’s Western Desert,” said Araluen Arts Centre Acting Director, Marion MacLean.

“This multi-faceted exhibition explores the Martu’s deeply embedded understanding and layered interpretations of the land.

“Following on from its critically acclaimed run at Fremantle Arts Centre in 2013, and subsequent national tour of regional venues, we are excited to host the landmark exhibition at the Araluen Arts Centre.”

The exhibition features more than 30 artists and redefines boundaries by bringing together the traditional culture and knowledge of the Martu with cutting edge new media artists from around Australia.

Stunning paintings, digital animation, immersive video installations, aerial desert photography, finely wrought traditional cultural objects and photographic portraits of the artists all sit side by side across three of Araluen’s galleries.

Works ranging from paintings by senior artists documenting Martu culture to contemporary snapshots by younger artists of camel hunts and football matches all give the viewer a rich insight into Martu culture.

“It is the intricate and evocative combination of cultural knowledge, collaboration between indigenous and non-indigenous artists and contemporary and traditional art that makes We don’t need a map a must-see exhibition,” Ms MacLean said.

The opening will be held on Friday, 27 November at 6pm, with participating artists and exhibition curators. The exhibition is on from Saturday, 28 November until Sunday, 20 March 2016.

On Saturday, 28 November from 11am there will be a range of public programs including floor talks from artists and curators, a weaving workshop with the artists and a ranger presentation on land management.

Tickets are available from the Araluen Box Office on (08) 8951 1122. To check out what else is on at the Araluen Arts Centre, please visit http://www.araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

Media Note - For further information / interview please contact Araluen Cultural Precinct A/Director Marion Maclean on 89511128.