Kate Owen Gallery is proud to present Goompi Ugerabah: Curumba Mareeba, a powerful new solo exhibition from 2023 Paddington Art Prize winner and internationally celebrated Indigenous artist Goompi Ugerabah.

Running from 28 June to 20 July, the show features large-scale works and cultural storytelling that reflect the depth, beauty, and strength of Ugerabah's Kombemerri heritage.

"Curumba Mareeba" translates to "Big Good," and this exhibition is Ugerabah's most ambitious yet - bringing together his most sought-after motifs, from bold linework to evocative landscapes. Each artwork carries a story, hand-written by the artist on the back of the canvas and displayed alongside the work, offering audiences an intimate connection with culture and Country.

Goompi Ugerabah, whose tribal name translates to "possum from the place of the goanna," was born on Kombemerri land in the Gold Coast region of Queensland. Though he grew up on Minjungbal and Kombemerri land, Ugerabah has traced his maternal ancestry to the Gurreng Gurreng tribal area near Bundaberg. His connection to his culture began early in life through his immersion in traditional practices of song, dance, and language, which he has pursued with devotion for over 25 years.

The artist will be present at the gallery during the opening weekend - Saturday 28 June, Sunday 29 June, painting live and meeting visitors in what promises to be a rare and enriching opportunity to engage with the artist and his process. This artist-in-residence experience also serves as a lead-up to NAIDOC Week, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and knowledge.

With Ugerabah preparing for major international projects - including performances in the USA and the global tour of the National Museum of Australia's Connection - Songlines from Australia's First Peoples exhibition -this show offers a unique moment to connect with one of Australia's leading contemporary Indigenous artists.

Exhibition Details:

Title: Goompi Ugerabah: Curumba Mareeba

Dates: 28 June – 20 July

Opening Event: Saturday 28 June, 2pm

Location: Kate Owen Gallery, 680 Darling St, Rozelle NSW (open 10 – 6 every day)

Artist in Residence: Friday 27 – Sunday 29 June