Fremantle Arts Centre (FAC) announces the 2023 return of Revealed: New and Emerging WA Aboriginal Artists. Opening 5 May and running till 23 July, Revealed features a spectacular floor-to-ceiling display of more than 200 works by over 100 Aboriginal artists from remote, regional and metropolitan WA.
This year, artistic storytelling spills off the canvas into a range of diverse mediums, with vibrant paintings hanging alongside animation, printmaking, textiles, sculpture, photographic and multimedia works—each one revealing unique narratives of Country, culture and regional life.
According to FAC Director Anna Reece, “A cornerstone of the arts calendar, this nationally significant exhibition and art market provides a snapshot of the tremendous scale and diversity of First Nations art practice across multiple language and cultural groups in WA.”
“Revealed is an incredible opportunity for the community to experience the richness and vitality of Aboriginal art practice and to immerse themselves in the many First Nations stories, both ancient and contemporary, that make this place we call Western Australia so special.”
“We are grateful to the State Government of WA, through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for their continued support which enables artists, communities, and audiences to collectively celebrate Western Australian Aboriginal culture.”
Artists were selected from a panel of industry experts including Nyoongar artist Sharyn Egan, Palyku author and curator Jessyca Hutchens, Bardi artist Ron Bradfield, and Nhanda and Nyoongar curator Glenn Iseger-Pilkington. The exhibition features 98 artists from 29 Aboriginal art centres across Western Australia, plus 18 independent artists.
According to FAC Curator Glenn Iseger-Pilkington, “From the upper reaches of the Kimberley to the desert plains of the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, Revealed brings the extraordinary artistic output from all corners of our state here to Walyalup (Fremantle)—showcasing Aboriginal art making in all of its diversity and complexity.”
“It is an absolute joy to see our galleries brought to life with the colours, textures and stories of Western Australia with works by artists at all stages of their careers, many of whom are seeing their works hung in a gallery for the first time, and others who are pushing boundaries with exciting new ways of working.”
A gallery-wide First Nations takeover, the Revealed program this year includes the popular opening celebration on Friday 5 May. A free public event, it will feature an Indigenous-style BBQ, a performance by the “most remote rock n roll band in the world”, Desert Stars from the Tjuntjuntjara community.
Taking place in-person at Fremantle Arts Centre for the first time since 2019, the Revealed Aboriginal Art Market returns for one day only, on Saturday 5 May. With more than 30 stalls selling original First Nations artworks including painting, textiles, jewellery, ceramics and carved artefacts at a range of price points, there is something for every art lover or budding collector. And with 100% of sales returned to the artists, the market provides an ethical, direct avenue for purchasing art by WA Aboriginal artists, all in one place.
For interviews or further information please contact Media Officer Rosamund Brennan via [email protected] or +61 (8) 9432 9565
Image: Stephanie Yukenbarri, Winpurpurla 2023, 91.4 x 61cm, acrylic on linen. Courtesy of Warlayirti Artists
