Mirdidinkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori, Dibirdibi Country 2011. Synthetic polymer paint on linen, 90 x 60 cm. Courtesy: The Estate of the Artist and Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne.

In honour of International Women’s Day (Sunday 8th March 2020), Alcaston Gallery presents a special exhibition of paintings and objects by important Indigenous Australian female artists titled Makuwalada – Women – The Origins of Bentinck Island Art.

Featured artists include Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda SALLY GABORI, Kuruwarriyingathi Bijarrb PAULA PAUL, Thunuyingathi Bijarrb MAY MOODOONUTHI, and CLAUDIA MOODOONUTHI, granddaughter of May Moodoonuthi.

Makuwalada directly translates to Women in the endangered Kayardild language of Bentinck Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland, and this exhibition pays tribute to some of the incredible Kaiadilt women and artists.

The exhibition will be officially launched by Claudia Moodoonuthi, artist and granddaughter of May Moodoonuthi.

Exhibition opens: 5.30–7.30pm Thursday 5 March 2020