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Tim's Blog

Tim's Blog

Explore stories, insights and reflections from Mbantua Gallery owner Tim Jennings, sharing his experiences, knowledge and passion for Aboriginal art, artists and the communities behind the artworks.

Stories from Mbantua Gallery

With decades of experience working alongside Aboriginal artists and communities, Tim shares his personal perspective on the artworks, artists and stories that have shaped Mbantua Gallery. Through his blog, discover insights into Aboriginal art, the Utopia region, gallery exhibitions, significant artworks and the remarkable journeys behind some of Australia's most celebrated artists.

Sharing Knowledge and Stories

Every artwork has a story and Tim's Blog provides an opportunity to explore the history, culture and connections behind the art we share with collectors around the world. Whether you are an art collector, visitor or simply interested in learning more about Aboriginal art, we invite you to explore Tim's stories and discover more about the people, places and artworks that make Mbantua Gallery unique.

Aboriginal Art Blog

Betty Mpetyane

Betty Mpetyane

I’ve had quite a few people ask me how Betty Mpetyane is since she has moved to Hetti Perkins Aged Care here in Alice Springs just a few short months ago.Betty, as some of you would know, is one of the daughters of the late Minnie Pwerle. She was born in 1957 and lived most of her life in the U…
Betty Mpetyane
Bush Trip November 29th - New Artists and Old!

Bush Trip November 29th - New Artists and Old!

The Northern Territory has been relatively free of Covid until lately, with a few cases occurring up around the township of Katherine. This resulted in a few good rules introduced for visiting Aboriginal Communities – so for this trip I had to prepare a little differently!So, on Sunday Nov 28th…
Bush Trip November 29th - New Artists and Old!
What Is The Utopia Art Movement?

What Is The Utopia Art Movement?

If you spend a little bit of time reading about Aboriginal art, it won’t take long to come across the Utopia art movement. As one of the most influential communities of independent artists in Australia, this thriving community is situated about 270km north of Alice Springs deep in the nation’s…
What Is The Utopia Art Movement?
Appreciating the Wonderful Art of Minnie Pwerle

Appreciating the Wonderful Art of Minnie Pwerle

Born in the early 1920s, Minnie Pwerle was one of the most significant artists to come out of the community of Utopia and its world-renowned art movement. Alongside the equally impressive work of Emily Kame Kngwarreye and many more, Pwerle’s incredible creative talent helped Utopia attract globa…
Appreciating the Wonderful Art of Minnie Pwerle

The significance of stars and the sky in Aboriginal art and stories

First Nations peoples of Australia have been studying the sky for tens of thousands of years and this is reflected in their artwork, whether that work is on canvas, engraved in rock formations or painted onto ceramics. This is because Aboriginal stories about stars are not just interesting yarns…