For the first time in Singapore, dramatic carved and painted ceremonial poles from the Northern Territory community of Yirrkala will be on display at Unsung Heroes, an exhibition showcasing the work of Australia’s foremost indigenous artists across Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Unsung Heroes promises to be one of the most comprehensive showings of Australian indigenous art in Singapore.
 
The intricately made ceremonial poles, a distinctive trademark of the Yirrkala community, have earned considerable repute as prize winning modern art sculptures. In addition, the exhibition will include the work of Sally Gabori, an iconic artist from the Mornington Island Arts and Crafts whose experimental style has inspired one of the most exciting and experimental art movements in Australia today. Other artists such as Telstra Art Award finalist Eubena Nampitjin from the Balgo community in the Western Desert, and Paddy Japaljarri Sims, one of the founding members of the Yuendumu community in the North Territory renowned for its striking use of colour, will also be featured.
 
Director of ReDot Gallery and curator for the exhibition Giorgio Pilla, says, “Unsung Heroes brings together some of the Northern and Western Deserts’ most accomplished artists to the attention of the Singaporean public.  The works in the show were chosen to reflect the importance of Tjukurrpa or the story/dream creation of Aboriginal people and reflect the expression of ancient stories in a modern contemporary format by the world’s oldest surviving culture.”
 
Unsung Heroes is presented by the Australian High Commission and ReDot Gallery in celebration of National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week 2010.
 
This exhibition is proudly supported by the Commonwealth Bank and Helutrans Relocation.