This exclusive Orion cultural expedition provides rare access to remote Arnhem
Land indigenous art communities, with plenty of time ashore to meet and talk
with many artists, view and purchase original artworks and visit important
galleries. Orion's expedition team and specialist guest lecturers enhance the
experience with comprehensive briefings and workshops.
Departing Thursday Island in Torres Strait on 25th April this 7 night voyage
concludes in Darwin on 2nd May, 2009.
Spectacularly located at the northern tip of Australia, Thursday Island is the
perfect location to commence this fascinating expedition. A visit to the Gab Titui
Cultural Centre reveals exquisite Torres Strait art that reflects the many unique
cultures and traditions of the island communities and the islander's bond to sea
and land.
Orion then explores the remote coastal regions of Arnhem Land, stopping at
some of the most important indigenous art centres, many with limited access due
to their isolation and the need for permits to enter indigenous reserves. Travelling
the coast on Orion is the perfect way to visit these significant art communities.
This voyage will appeal to those interested in indigenous art from both aesthetic
and investment aspects as well. Colin and Elizabeth Laverty – whose lifetime of
collecting Australian contemporary art has culminated in one of the world's most
important collections of Aboriginal art – will join the voyage to share their
thoughts on the importance of Australian indigenous art; while Howard Morphy,
Director of the Research School of Humanities at the Australian National
University and extensive author on Australian Aboriginal art will also offer insight
to provide a better understanding of indigenous art in Australia.
They will be joined by Hetti Perkins, a member of the Eastern Arrernte and
Kalkadoon Aboriginal communities. Currently Senior Curator of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Art at the Art Gallery of NSW Hetti has worked with
indigenous visual art for over twenty years.
