As the Perth Festival draws to a close, you might want to catch some of the exhibitions still running. Better yet, why not check out some of the amazing artwork created by some Indigenous folk?
Perth Festival officially ends on Sunday 1st of March, but there are still some shows that will run for an extended period. Here is a quick rundown of the events showcasing our talented Indigenous artists, so you don’t have to trawl through the program yourself.
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John Prince Siddon: All Mixed Up
Price: Free
Until March 22
Fremantle Arts Centre (Fremantle)
John Prince Siddon is a Walmajarri man living in the remote Fitzroy Crossing in the Western Kimberley. All Mixed Up is his solo exhibition with newly commissioned paintings, sculptures and installations drawing from many influences including boab nut carving (a traditional Kimberley craft), the desert, Narrangkari (Dreamtime) as well as politics, environment and television. Siddon’s art encapsulates many themes and issues in his powerful and unique style.
Hailed by Sydney Morning Herald’s John McDonald as Perth Festival’s “stand-out exhibition”, this definitely sounds like one to get along to!
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Cheeky Dogs
Price: Free
Until April 18
DADAA (Fremantle)
Dion Beasley, a Alywarr artist, lives in Tennant Creek, NT. Beasley lives with muscular dystrophy and profound deafness and has been working as an artist since 2006, with the release of his Cheeky Dogs clothing line and award-winning children’s books. This exhibition displays some of his original works, depicting more of his famous cheeky dogs, and what life is like in Tennant Creek.
Isn’t it great when you can attend events for free? Check out the Festival page for gallery open times.
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Mia Kurrum Maun (Far From Home)
Price: Free
Until April 24
John Curtin Gallery (Curtin University)
Wadandi/Pibelmun woman Sandra Hill’s exhibition Mia Kurrum Main (Far From Home) explores Aboriginal cultural annihilation through her own experience. Her pieces touch on the impact of government policies, racial discrimination, and the Stolen Generation on Aboriginal women of many generations, which makes for a compelling display of the interpretation of these issues into art.
If you’d like to see these stunning pieces for yourself, the John Curtin Gallery is open daily.
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Awavena
Price: Free (fully booked)
Until March 2
Art Gallery of Western Australia (Northbridge/Perth)
Awavena is a virtual reality piece by Lynette Wallworth and Nicole Newnham, depicting the Yawanawa people of the Amazon and their stories. It’s an exciting use of technology to share indigenous stories and visions that hopes to inform and shift the way we view the world.
Unfortunately, this work is fully booked out, but who knows, they may add more bookings (fingers crossed!).
Sapphire Peake
ProudRoots Editor
Tapuika, Waitaha, Pākehā. Residing in Perth. Passionate about Indigenous affairs. I write here sometimes, when my fingers aren't in every other pie.