The Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre’s final exhibition for the year, Bladwoda / Deluge – reflecting on the 1998 Katherine Flood (Lukin bek na 1998 Kajarin Blad), will open Friday 2 November 6pm in the main gallery. 

This unprecedented weather event caused widespread devastation in the Katherine region, including the destruction of property and infrastructure, as well as loss of life.

The 1998 flood was a devastating event for the Katherine community, but it also brought people together, demonstrating resilience and comradery in the face of great hardship and adversity. This exhibition reflects on the flood and the significant place it occupies in the collective memory of the town.

The exhibition will include archival material and community loans as well as commissioned artwork from four local artists; Margaret Duncan, Manuel Pampkal, Helen Aland and Danny Murphy. I’ve been lucky enough to see these new works in development and I can’t wait to share them with the Katherine community.

On the same night a new exhibition in K-space called Art from Lajamanu will be unveiled. This exhibition showcases traditional stories from Warlpiri people brought to Katherine by Warnayaka Art. 

Artworks from both exhibitions, Bladwoda/Deluge and Art from Lajamanu, will be for sale, offering locals an opportunity to purchase a unique piece of artwork from our region.