Fluent: Noŋgirrŋa Marawili and Leo Loomans

Is this exhibition a face-off of irreconcilable contrasts or the opportunity for two artists’ work to engage in an impromptu, unforeseen pas de deux? The artists in question are extensively represented in the superb Hassall /Milson Collection – Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, a revered elder associated with Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre in Yirrkala, and Canberra-based sculptor Leo Loomans. Both artists intrigue us with their feats of linear invention. “One should always search for the desire of a line,” Henri Matisse advised – and what would be the desire of a line if not to extend, to flourish, to luxuriate, to connect, to interact, to dance? Fluency would be its ultimate objective.

Fluent: Noŋgirrŋa Marawili and Leo Loomans is curated by Terence Maloon.

This exhibition has been generously supported by Geoffrey Hassall and Virginia Milson.