Lipwurrunga Art Exhibition 2024
27th Jan to 4th Feb, 2024 I Free Entry
Discover the works of Les Lipwurrunga Huddleston, Australian Indigenous painter, carver and Didgeridoo player from Roper River, East Arnhem Land. Over 36 of Les's works (paintings and didgeridoos) will be on display at the free, all-ages exhibition “Lipwurrunga”.
Where
Held at Kew Court House, 188 High St, Kew VIC 3101
What's On
Art Exhibition and Healing Ceremonies
When
Exhibition Open:
Saturday, 27th January to Sunday 4th February
Open Weekdays 11am to 6pm
Open Weekends 12pm to 4pm
Didgeridoo Sound Healing Sessions: Daily at 1pm
Cost
FREE entry
- Wheelchair Accessible Venue
- For all ages and family-friendly
- Artwork and hand-made Didgeridoos are available for purchase during the exhibition.
For the first time in his 35-year career, Les Lipwurrunga Huddleston, a renowned Aboriginal artist, spiritual healer, and talented didgeridoo maker and player, brings 36 of his works to Melbourne from his home in Darwin, in the free entry, all-ages Art and Cultural exhibition, “Lipwurrunga.”
From his traditional country of Roper River (East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory), Les is a prominent Aboriginal artist and for more than 35 years, he has explored land, water, identity and healing themes through his art and life.
Married to Beverly for 35 years, with four daughters and 11 grandchildren, Les has profound joy in sharing the rich and artistic tapestry of his Indigenous culture.
Les’s work is iconic to Australian history. One of Les’s fish paintings, has been on display alongside the National Apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, located in Sydney.
A role model for his community and family, Les is also the nephew of Gertie Huddleston, the famous artist from Ngukurr Aboriginal community.
Les will also be giving cultural talks during the exhibition and performing healing ceremonies, where he welcomes people to join in his mesmerising sound healings. Didgeridoo sound therapy is a traditional Aboriginal natural healing and holistic health practice that uses meditation and intention to effect positive changes in a person’s mind, body and spirit.
Lipwurrunga is presented by Empowering Community Growth, a community organisation dedicated to supporting grassroots and fair-trade community work. This event is also supported by the City of Boroondara and the Fair Trade and Gift Shop.
Book a Healing Session with Les
Les Lipwurrunga Huddleston is an Artist from Roper River, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Les was born and grew up near Penrith, NSW. His parents and older brother were moved to Mulgoa Mission, from Groote Eylandt after the bombing of Darwin in 1941 during WWII.
Les moved back to Darwin in 1971 as he felt it was important to re-connect with the country from which his family had been dispossessed. It was there that he sought permission and guidance to paint from the Ngardi elders and began his career as an artist. His family returned to Ngukurr one year later.
Les is an accomplished painter nationally and internationally and has been a Cultural Adviser for over 35 years.
Les has also mastered the Didgeridoo, playing at the Opening Ceremony of the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Finals in Darwin 2017 and at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast in 2018.
Les collaborates regularly with musicians fusing classical western music with the didj (didgeridoo).
A role model for his community and family, Les is the nephew of Gertie Huddleston, the famous artist from Ngukurr Aboriginal community.
Lipwurrunga is an immersive exhibition in which the expansive works of Les Lipwurrunga Huddleston will explore the themes of land and water, identity and cultural healing.
Lipwurrunga also explores energy lines, the journey of animals and fish, and the many indigenous seasons with grass and fire.
Over 36 of Les's works (paintings and didgeridoos) will be on display at the exhibition.
You will able to join Les in a sound healing sessions with Didgeridoo. The sessions go for 30 minutes and include Les playing the Didgeridoo over you personally.
Spaces are limited. Register to secure your spot- REGISTER
Groups can book Healing Ceremonies and Cultural Talks with Les Lipwurrunga Huddleston. Email empoweringcommunitygrowth@gmail.com to secure a session.
During the Exhibition, Les's Artwork and hand-made Didgeridoos are available for purchase.
All proceeds go to the artist and the Aboriginal community of the Larrakia Nation.
Parking
Nearby Fenton Way and Walpole Street have mostly unrestricted off-street parking after 6pm every day.
Public Transport
- Tram 48: North Balwyn to Victoria Harbour Docklands - alight at stop 32, Kew Junction.
- Tram 109: Box Hill to Port Melbourne - alight at stop 32, Kew Junction.
- Tram 16: St Kilda to Kew - alight at stop 80, walk 1km east along Cotham Road.
- Bus 205: Doncaster SC via Kew Junction - alight at Kew Junction.
Venue Accessibility
Kew Court House is wheelchair accessible, with ambulant toilets available.
For media or photo opportunities, please get in touch with us
GALLERY
Preview of Lipwurrunga Art Exhibition
Meet Les Huddleston Lipwurrunga
Les beside his painting hung in Sydney
Some of Les's Artwork that will be displayed at the "Lipwurrunga" Exhibition
Behind the Scenes of Les painting and making Didgeridoos
Les Healing
Les with Luke Gosling (Member of Solomon), Jill and Jennie (Empowering Community Growth)
Les playing Didgeridoo at the Opening Ceremony of the Rugby League World Cup Quarter Finals in Darwin 2017
More Images of Les
Lipwurrunga Art Exhibition is open from 27th Jan to 4th Feb, 2024 at Kew Court House, 188 High St, Kew VIC 3101. All proceeds go to the artist and the Aboriginal community of the Larrakia Nation.
Lipwurrunga is presented by Empowering Community Growth, a community organisation dedicated to supporting grassroots and fair trade community work. This event is also supported by the City of Boroondara and the Fair Trade and Gift Shop.
