Jinibara artist presents an immersive Horizon experience
Jinibara Culture man BJ Murphy will present his first solo exhibition in Maleny from April 23 to July 2 – an evolution of a project that was to be delivered as part of the Horizon Festival in 2021.
Mimburi Ninyangurra, on show at Munnimbah Dja, Welcome Place, Maleny, features a series of ochre paintings and sculptural installations as well as a songman performance.
Artist BJ Murphy invites audiences into his ninyangurra, where you will be immersed in the lived experiences of a Jinibara man returning to country.
Mimburi Ninyangurra will continue the sharing of culture as resistance to colonisation following in the footsteps of his ancestor Gaiarbau (Willie McKenzie) and many others whose footsteps have tread this path before him.
BJ Murphy will host two talks, which give a deeper insight into the work, the process and cultural meaning, as part of the exhibition.
Sunshine Coast Council Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the Horizon Festival was a fantastic vehicle for shining a spotlight on so many artists.
“What is incredibly important is showcasing and supporting the increasing scope of talent we have the good fortune to have within our region,” Cr Baberowski said.
Artist BJ Murphy said Mimburi Ninyangurra reflected his growth as an artist and Jinibara man.
It features a series of very powerful and culturally significant ochre paintings exhibited alongside sculptural forms that pay homage to previous works made under the guidance of Rick Roser, a Bigambul man and the original creator of the sculptural forms he names "Dreamtime Travellers”.
“Mimburi means ‘source’ or ‘continuous flow’ and Ninyangurra means ‘dreaming’, so Mimburi Ninyangurra means ‘Continuous Flow of Dreaming’,” Mr Murphy said.
“In a nutshell, this exhibition is my Mimburi Ninyangurra — source of continual dreaming. It’s generous, it’s raw, it’s deep, it’s personal, and it’s about ongoing connection and sharing.
“My art is an expression of my continued growth and connection as a Jinibara culture man.
“It is presented with deep gratitude to Gaiarbau and the many others whose footsteps have fought for, and tread, this path before me. I am hoping this exhibition reflects exactly that.”
Cr Baberowski said the impetus of an exhibition is a great motivator and can provide a pivot point to an artist on many levels.
“I, like many others who were familiar with BJ’s work, are eagerly awaiting this exhibition to see his next body of work.
“I encourage everyone to take the time to experience what promises to be a very valuable exhibition.”
EXHIBITION
Date: Saturday, April 23 – Saturday, July 2, 2022
Time: 9am–4pm Thurs/Fri – Sat 9am-2pm
Location: Munnimbah-dja - Welcome Place 20 Coral St, Maleny (Jinibara Country)
OPENING CEREMONY
Join us at Munnimbah-dja for a ceremonial opening of Mimburi Ninyangurra as the sun sets over Jinibara country.
Bush tucker and refreshments provided.
Date: Saturday, April 23
Time: 5.30–8.30pm
Location: Munnimbah-dja - Welcome Place 20 Coral St, Maleny (Jinibara Country)
ARTIST TALKS
Come along and hear Jinibara Artist BJ Murphy yarn about Mimburi Ninyangurra the stories that live within the artworks and Country.
Dates: Saturday, May 7 and June 25
Time: 10.30–11.30am
Location: Munnimbah-dja - Welcome Place 20 Coral St, Maleny (Jinibara Country) Register: [email protected]
Jinibara traditional country is west of Old Gympie Road, and the Blackall Ranges. For more information click here.