Sally M Mulda and Margaret Boko

THE WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE

The Intervention and the art of Margaret Boko and Sally Mulda.

In conjunction with Tangentyere Artists, Merenda Gallery presents a new body of work by Sally Mulda and Margaret Boko that articulate the world in which they live. This exhibition presents an important social commentary that is uniquely Australian, delicately tracing the raw and troubled interface of life in several Alice Springs Town Camps. Through art, these two fearless artists are finding a platform through which they can express personal experiences with cultural values, whilst also enriching their community well being and family livelihoods.

Town campers are among the most disadvantaged people in Australia, living in the most challenging physical and social conditions. As Tim Acker explains; “the market’s focus on the consumption of art and the profitability of its players has smothered serious and confronting issues of artist and community livelihoods” (2011). Despite circumstances, these works are approachable, friendly and un-judgmental, asking the viewer to gently engage with the artist’s narratives, without giving everything away at once.

Margaret Boko grew up at Jay Creek, and after marrying, lived at Inkamala Block near Jay Creek with her family before moving to Alice Springs. She speaks Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara, Luritja and English and now lives at Little Sisters Town Camp. Margaret has been a finalist in Togart and National Telstra awards. Margaret captures moments in life through her recently developed figurative style or ‘story boarding’ technique that are a documentary reflection on the things she loves and holds dear. Sally was born at Titjikala, and has lived in Alice Springs since she married some thirty years ago. Sally Mulda, aunt to Margaret Boko, lived with Margaret’s extended family for many years at Little Sisters Town Camp, but moved to Mpwetyerre Town Camp a couple of years ago. Sally used to paint about life at Little Sisters, but more recently has begun to paint about town camp life since the Intervention. Images of the police, playing cards and cooking roo tail are an important report on everyday life in the town camps.

Sally Mulda and Margaret Boko encourage audiences to understand the affection they feel for their homes and everyday life. Confronted with the reality of living in Alice Springs through the Intervention and problems many people face on a daily basis, these artists are incredibly important to our narrative as a Nation; the hidden histories of Australia are uncovered through these gentle and brave women.