'Perhaps the greatest quality of Timothy Cook’s work is its stunning simplicity. His ability to take a multitude of references – subterranean, terrestrial, celestial, spiritual, ceremonial, familial – and refine these into one singular, iconic form is what truly marks Cook as a master.' - Bruce Johnson McLean

D'Lan Contemporary is honoured to collaborate with celebrated Tiwi artist, Timothy Cook and Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association, in what will be our first exhibition of 2025 in Australia.

Japarra amantiya Japilinga: Moon and Stars, will be presented across two venues in February - at Melbourne Art Fair and at D'Lan Contemporary Melbourne.

Recent paintings by Timothy on bark, linen, and carved tutuni poles, will be displayed at Melbourne Art Fair and at our Exhibition Street gallery, a curated selection of Timothy’s earlier works will be exhibited in dialogue with historical bark paintings and objects by some of the Tiwi Islands most revered artists – highlighting Timothy’s unique affinity with Tiwi art history. 

The concept for this project and the upcoming exhibition was developed on a visit, last year, to Jilamara Arts by D'Lan Contemporary Head of Research, Vanessa Merlino and Director, Luke Scholes. We thank Timothy, and Jilamara Arts for their generosity and time, and for working so collaboratively with us to bring this exciting and important project to life.

We look forward to welcoming you to the exhibition - at both venues - and hope that you will enjoy reading the catalogue, which features two specially commissioned essays; A Star and Many Moons from Jilamara coordinator Will Heathcote and Timothy Cook: Halo written by Wierdi / BirriGubba curator and long-time supporter of Timothy Cook,Bruce Johnson McLean.

Timothy Cook: Japarra amantiya Japilinga: Moon and Stars
Melbourne Art Fair | 20 – 23 February 2025
D'Lan Contemporary Melbourne | 28 February – 11 April 2025