Flamboyant exhibition celebrates the creative genius of Jimmy Pike
Indigenous artist Jimmy Pike’s extraordinary tale of achieving against the odds is explored in the exhibition Desert Psychedelic: Jimmy Pike, on display at Caloundra Regional Gallery from 16 October to 1 December 2013.
Indigenous artist Jimmy Pike’s extraordinary tale of achieving against the odds is explored in the exhibition Desert Psychedelic: Jimmy Pike, on display at Caloundra Regional Gallery from 16 October to 1 December 2013.
This significant exhibition follows Pike’s journey from making paintings and prints in prison to producing textile designs, and includes fashion garments made in the 80s during the height of the Indigenous cultural renaissance.
Born in the Great Sandy Desert around 1940, Pike lived a traditional Walmajarri life for most of his childhood. As an adult, while serving time in prison, Pike joined art classes and before long his work was capturing the explosive beauty of the harsh desert landscape with bold forms and psychedelic colours.
Pike passed away in 2002 but left a legacy of brilliant paintings, prints, textile designs, stories and illustrations. This exhibition offers an opportunity to celebrate his achievements, and its focus on textiles acknowledges Jimmy Pike as one of the great Australian textile designers of the 20th Century.
All are welcome to attend the Psychedelic Official Launch Party on Friday 18 October at 6pm and come dressed in your best psychedelic creation to win a prize. Bookings are essential by 16 October.
Join Pat Lowe, celebrated children’s author and companion of the late Jimmy Pike at the following free public programs:
A Perfect Blend and Book Signing
Thursday 24 October from 10.30am to 11.30am
Kids’ Gallery Tour
Thursday 24 October from 3.30 to 4.30pm
Children are invited to join in the free Kids’ Club art activities based on the Desert Psychedelic: Jimmy Pike exhibition on Saturday 2 November from 10am to noon. No bookings required.
Desert Psychedelic: Jimmy Pike is curated by artisan and toured by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland.
Bookings are essential by visiting council’s gallery website or by calling 5420 8299. Caloundra Regional Gallery is free to the public and open, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.