Gordon Butcher

Gordon Butcher

Language:Arrernte, Warlpiri, Luritja, PintupiDate of birth:1963-12-18Community:Haasts Bluff

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Biography

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.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Past Exhibitions

  • 'Story Necklace' exhibition, South Australian Museum 2020-12-17
  • Ikuntji Textiles, Central Craft, Alice Springs NT 2019-08-23
  • Desert Mob Market Place 2018 2018-09-06
  • Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2018 2018-08-09
  • Indigenous Art Centre Collection presented by DAAFF, Fashfest Canberra, Canberra ACT 2017-09-29
  • Parrtjima - Festival in Light, Desert Park, Alice Springs NT 2017-09-21
  • From Country to Couture, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Fashion Parade, Darwin NT 2017-08-08
  • One Country - Many Stories, Colin Biggers & Paisley Foundation, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane 2017-06-19
  • Desert Mob 2016, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs, NT 2016-09-08
  • The 20th Alice Springs Beanie Festival Exhibition - Spirit of the Land, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs, NT 2016-06-22
  • Malpa Wiru (NAIDOC Celebration), Signal Point Gallery, Goolwa, SA 2016-06-04
  • Ikuntji Artists – Paintings from Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory, Jaktman Australian Contemporary Art Gallery 2016-02-24
  • 25th Desert Mob 2015, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs, NT 2015-09-02
  • Ancestral Presence - Recent works by Ikuntji Artists, June Marriott Gallery, Central Craft, Araluen Cultural Precinct, Alice Springs, NT 2015-08-27
  • 9th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Darwin, NT 2015-08-06
  • Alice Springs Beanie Festival 2015 - Opposites Attract, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs, NT 2015-06-18
  • Around the Campfire - Fundraiser Concert, Alice Springs, NT 2014-10-16
  • 8th Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin, NT 2014-08-06