Gordon Butcher
Gordon was born in Warumpi (Papunya) in 1963. As the founding member and drummer in the famous Warumpi Band alongside Sammy Butcher, George Rrurrambu and Neil Murray, he has travelled the world and toured Europe bringing happiness wherever he toured. But Gordon lived here in Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff) with his wife, kids and grandkids. Gordon’s wife, Alison Multa is also an artist. Gordon was a respected elder member of the community and used to be Land Council representative for the Western Area. As well as a musician he was a well known artist and woodcarver. Gordon worked in the studio and maintenance of the art centre grounds and also painted. He often painted alongside his wife during their spare time.
In his work, he depicts Pikilyi (Vaughn Springs) west of Yuendumu.This is Gordon’s father’s and grandfather’s country. Gordon painted both skin groups who are the traditional owners for Pikilyi. In his large scale paintings he used soft tones, combining thick lines and dot work to create striking works.
Gordon passed away in early 2020.
Languages
Arrernte, Warlpiri, Luritja, Pintupi
Community
Haasts Bluff
Upcoming Exhibitions
Past Exhibitions
Group
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2022 Desert Mob, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs.
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2022 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Darwin.
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2022 ‘Nganana Tjungu – This is Us’, Songlines, Darwin.
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2020 Story Necklace exhibition, South Australian Museum, Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, Adelaide.
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2019 Ikuntji Textiles, Central Craft, Alice Springs.
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2018 Desert Mob Market Place 2018, Darwin., 6th, 7th and 8th September. .
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2018 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2018, Darwin.
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2017 Indigenous Art Centre Collection presented by DAAFF, Fashfest Canberra, Canberra.
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2017 Parrtjima - Festival in Light, Desert Park, Alice Springs.
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2017 From Country to Couture, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Fashion Parade, Darwin.
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2017 One Country - Many Stories, Colin Biggers & Paisley Foundation, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane.
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2016 Desert Mob 2016, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs.
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2016 The 20th Alice Springs Beanie Festival Exhibition - Spirit of the Land, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs.
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2016 Malpa Wiru (NAIDOC Celebration), Signal Point Gallery, Goolwa.
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2016 Ikuntji Artists – Paintings from Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory, Jaktman Australian Contemporary Art Gallery.
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2015 25th Desert Mob 2015, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs.
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2015 Ancestral Presence - Recent works by Ikuntji Artists, June Marriott Gallery, Central Craft, Araluen Cultural Precinct, Alice Springs.
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2015 9th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Darwin.
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2015 Alice Springs Beanie Festival 2015 - Opposites Attract, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs.
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2014 Around the Campfire - Fundraiser Concert, Alice Springs.
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2014 8th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin.