Celebrating Cultural Diplomacy Ngirramanujuwal: The Art and Country of Jimmy Pike Exhibition

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is pleased to continue our collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala with the launch of "Ngirramanujuwal: The Art and Country of Jimmy Pike Exhibition." This vibrant exhibition features 16 panels of works, photographs, and audio by Walmajarri man, Jimmy Pike.

This collaboration, between AIATSIS and the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs brings together two of the oldest living cultures and shares knowledge, art, culture, and heritage.

"Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the spirit of strengthening bilateral, cultural and friendly relations between the two countries.

The purpose of the Memorandum is to establish the basis for collaboration in the field of cultural promotion, exchange of historical knowledge and best practices, training and research, under the principles of reciprocity and mutual benefit." Said H.E. Ambassador Maria Luisa Ramírez Coronado, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guatemala.

"The Ngirramanujuwal: The Art and Country of Jimmy Pike Exhibition strengthens the partnership between our nations, as we strive for a world where First Nations peoples' knowledges and cultures are recognised, respected, celebrated, and valued, whilst at the same time advancing our respective countries' foreign policy goals," Leonard Hill, Interim CEO, AIATSIS said.

The Exhibition was launched at the Chancellery, Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 15 April 2024 and will be open to the public from 16 April 2024 at the Museo Ixchel, Guatemala's Museum for Indigenous Textile Heritage. Visitors can journey through the Great Sandy Desert of Australia, experiencing the Walmajarri seasons - makurra, parranga, yitilal and jutalkarra - as revealed through Jimmy Pike's art and intimate relationship with Country.

Jimmy Pike (c. 1940 - 2002) was born in the Great Sandy Desert, in the north-western corner of Australia and is best known for his paintings and marker works, many of which were reproduced on textiles, garments and as screen prints through his collaboration with the company Desert Designs. He achieved international recognition for his art, exhibiting both nationally and internationally. The Jimmy Pike Collection is cared for by AIATSIS.

"The Jimmy Pike Exhibition is a testament to the vibrant cultural heritage of Indigenous communities worldwide and a powerful way to foster understanding and strengthen relationships - bridging the gaps between cultures by exchanging art, knowledge, and experiences, creating a platform for dialogue, appreciation, and celebration. This Exhibition is a reminder of the vibrancy and interconnectedness of Indigenous cultures globally and the importance of working together to preserve and promote the invaluable contributions of First Nations peoples' ways of knowing, being and doing." said Leonard Hill, Interim CEO, AIATSIS.

AIATSIS encourages everyone to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Australian First Nations art and heritage and experience the power of art as a catalyst for understanding and connection.

We acknowledge and extend our deepest respect to Walmajarri Country and community and thank Pat Lowe for her support of this display.

About AIATSIS:
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) is a national institution dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the cultures, histories, and knowledge of Australia's First Nations peoples (https://aiatsis.gov.au/).

About the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
The Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) executes the Guatemalan Government's foreign policy, diplomatic representation and consular affairs, (https://www.minex.gob.gt/).

About Museo Ixchel:
Museo Ixchel's mission is to collect, conserve, document, rescue, exhibit and educate about Guatemalan Indigenous textile heritage (https://museoixchel.org/tienda-online/).

For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: 
[email protected]