March 19, 2008 — "Virtuosity: The Evolution of Painting at Papunya Tula" will open at the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection on Tuesday, April 1, with an opening reception on Friday, April 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The exhibit, curated by New York University anthropologist Fred R. Myers, focuses on the "virtuosity" or "excellence" of several individual artists including Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri, Yanyatjarri Tjakamarra, Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula, Wuta Wuta Tjangala and others. Showing their early work alongside later pieces, Myers highlights the aesthetic trajectories of each artist and the development of a "painting tradition and language" that continues today.
  
The exhibit includes work from the Kluge-Ruhe Collection and 20 pieces on loan from the private collection of John and Tussi Kluge and other private collectors. A number of recent pieces by Papunya Tula Artists will be for sale in the gift shop.

On Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m., Myers will give a lecture, "Perceiving the Landscape In/Through Western Desert Acrylic Paintings."  Reservations are required; call (434) 244-0234.

On Saturday, April 12, 10:30 a.m., Myers will give a guided tour of the "Virtuosity" exhibit for which no reservations are required.

All programs are held at the Kluge-Ruhe Collection, located at 400 Worrell Drive, off U.S. Route 250 East at Pantops. Turn right at the light into Worrell Drive. Take the next right and continue straight up the drive to the white brick house with the circular drive. The Kluge-Ruhe Collection is on the first floor. All programs are free unless indicated. The gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call (434) 244-0234, e-mail kluge-ruhe@virginia.edu, or visit the Web site: www.virginia.edu/kluge-ruhe.