Karri-Djarrk-Durrkmirri | We-Together-Work

Hand Printed Textiles From Indigenous Australia and South India

Bábbarra Women’s Centre, in collaboration with Tharangini Studio, presents a collection of woodblock textiles, supported by the Australian Government’s Centre for Australia-India Relations. “Karri-djarrk-durrkmirri,” meaning “we work together” in the Kuninjku language of West Arnhem Land, embodies the collaborative spirit of this exhibition, which blends heritage Indian textile traditions with culturally significant designs by Indigenous Australian women.

Based in remote Maningrida, 500 km east of Darwin, Bábbarra Women’s Centre is dedicated to producing unique screen printed and Lino printed textiles that tell the stories of West Arnhem Land—its people, traditional foods and spiritual beings like yawkyawk (mermaids). Since its inception in 1987 as a women’s refuge, the Centre has supported women’s economic and social development.

Tharangini Studio, a women-owned woodblock printing studio, shares a commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability. Curators Prithi Pais and Anshu Arora have worked closely with director, Padmini Govind to interpret the complex design briefs of the Babbarra women and add their expertise in ethically sourced fabrics, natural dye and repeat patterns.

Karri-djarrk-durrkmirri is an example of the beautiful artwork that can be created when Australia and India work together.

The exhibition is open to all, at the BIC Gallery, from 4th October to 13th October 2024. Artist talks with visiting artists from Australia will be held on Friday, 4th October and Saturday, 5th October at 11:30am.