Press Release, 27 October 2008

The NT showcases Aboriginal art with Sotheby's

An intimate group of meeting planners where hosted by the Northern Territory Convention Bureau to an exclusive preview of Sotheby’s Aboriginal Art exhibition, prior to auction at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

With events in both Melbourne and Sydney, guests enjoyed a presentation from Sotheby’s Head of Aboriginal Art, Tim Klingender who gave an enjoyable and educational introduction to a range of unique Aboriginal artworks.

Highlights of the exhibition included some of the finest bark paintings ever offered at auction and many significant Western Desert artworks, including a piece by Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula, Water and Bush Tucker, 1972 which fetched $228,000.

Along with a taste of Territorian artwork, guests at the Sydney dinner event enjoyed a menu with NT inspired flavours.  Northern Territory fresh figs, barramundi fillet, lemon myrtle risotto with quandong and tomato confit and mini wattleseed tiramisu offered a sample of Northern Territory produce and bush tucker tastes.

“What a special and unique experience it was seeing and hearing all about the high end of the Aboriginal art world which of course comes from a very special place, the NT!  Thank you also for the wonderful dinner and updating us on latest development in the NT” said Sarah Hodgkinson, Professional Development Manager, Institute of Actuaries of Australia.