Despite galleries being closed nationally, Australians will have the opportunity to experience a generous and varied collection of artworks by 120 of the most exciting new and emerging Western Australian Aboriginal artists when Fremantle Arts Centre launches the 2020 Revealed Exhibition online at 9am AWST Wednesday 22 April.
Revealed is an annual program funded by the WA State Government which showcases WA Aboriginal art through an exhibition, art market and program of professional development for artists and art centre staff. It is an essential platform for nurturing and celebrating the next generation of Aboriginal artists and generates vital income.
This year’s highly anticipated Revealed events had to be cancelled to protect public health and the safety of the artists involved, many of whom travel from very remote regional communities.
Although we cannot hope to match 2019’s Revealed sales of more than $600,000 in these circumstances, Fremantle Arts Centre remains committed to supporting the sector.
“Our doors may be closed but the FAC team is still dedicated to bringing audiences the Revealed Exhibition,” said FAC Director Jim Cathcart. “We’ve developed a comprehensive catalogue for the exhibition which will be available on our website so that people can view all the works, find out more about the artists and art centres and hopefully, generate sales to support them through this very difficult period.”
The 2020 Revealed Exhibition features independent and Noongar artists from metropolitan Perth and the South West alongside artists from WA’s remote and regional art centres. They were selected by an expert curatorial panel comprising Carly Lane, Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and Charlotte Hickson, Curator at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts.
Each artist created new works for Revealed which span a breadth of styles and mediums including painting, installation, video, textiles, photography, print media, jewellery, carving and sculpture.
2019 Revealed artist Cora Lynch said being part of the program has had a lasting impact on her career.
“It’s opened my eyes to the arts industry and opportunities as an Aboriginal artist… I have gained some inspiring friends and mentors as a result.”
Fremantle Arts Centre has waived all gallery commission on Revealed sales, ensuring that 100% of profits return to the artists and art centres.
The Revealed catalogue and detailed instructions on how to purchase artworks will be available at fac.org.au from 9am AWST Wednesday 22 April.
Media enquiries: please contact Communications Manager Andrea Woods
Image: Desmond Taylor, Martumili Artists, Niminjarra, 2020, acrylic on arches paper, 101 x 66cm each