Anita Mbitjana Ratara, Birds of Our Country, 2019. Terracotta & Underglazes, 30 x 21 cm. Courtesy: the artist, Hermannsburg Potters and Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne.

In this major retrospective exhibition, Looking Back, Moving Forward, the Hermannsburg Potters bring the vibrant landscape and spirit of Central Australia to life with their sublime hand-crafted terracotta and underglaze pots, taking inspiration from their natural environment, rich cultural history and day to day life activities, together with the individual style and creativity of each artist. Since 1990, the Potters have been depicting their Aranda stories on unique hand-built ceramics, contributing to their self-employment and artistic career. Now regarded as master ceramicists, the Potters have an extensive career exhibiting widely through Australia and internationally.

In celebration of their 30th anniversary as well as close to 30 years of representation by Alcaston Gallery, the Potters “look back” and reflect on their careers working with Alcaston director Beverly Knight, depicting their favourite themes and subjects including country, family, birds, animals, bush tucker, mission days and current life in Hermannsburg.

Hermannsburg Potters Judith Pungkarta Inkamala, Hayley Panangka Coulthard, Dawn Ngala Wheeler and Anita Mbitjana Ratara will be present at the opening event to officially launch the exhibition.

Exhibition opens: 2–4pm Saturday 23 November 2019