Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre
Bill Idumduma Harney and Hugh Cairns
The Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre in Katherine, Northern Territory, opened the Bill Yidumdumia Harney - Bush Professor Exhibition showcasing some of Bill Harney’s beautiful artworks on 6 May 2016. The Exhibition is open until 16 July and will then go on to tour Regional Australia (dependent upon funding). The Exhibition was officially opened by Joe Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Land Council and curated by Margie West (formerly Curator of Aboriginal Art & Material Culture at the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, MAGNT, where she currently holds the title of Emeritus Curator). Bill Harney was in great form as he related the story behind the artworks. It was also the book launch of Yidumduma Bill Harney, Bush Professor edited by Margie West. For more information please visit www.gyracc.org.au.
The next day a NT book launch of Four Circles: Customs that are Law in an Aboriginal Cosmoscape by Hugh Cairns and Bill Idumduma Harney was held. Bill and Hugh spoke about their work together over the years and in particular about Dark Sparklers which focuses on Aboriginal Astronomy and Four Circles which looks at Imulan Law; both books sharing the knowledge and wisdom of Bill Harney, Senior Elder and Senior Law Man of the Wardaman People, near Katherine, Northern Territory. Books can be purchased directly through this website or at quality independent book shops and art galleries.
Paul Taylor has also been working with Bill Harney over many years and runs the Yubulyawan Dreaming Project YDP which is dedicated to documenting and sharing the wonderful cultural heritage and wisdom of Yidumuma Bill Harney. He has a very interactive, informative website at www.ydproject.org or visit www.facebook.com/ydproject.org. Paul released his new DVD at the Exhibition, Bill Harney’s Bush University which showcases their work together. He has also produced a CD with Bill called Leedi which features songs, stories, birds and didgeridoo. Paul will be in Adelaide for a few weeks working with one of Bill’s Granddaughters, Rebecca Bennetts, and together they are working in local schools sharing Bill’s knowledge - Paul does this very successfully in USA where he is based.
