The Gallery’s major Indigenous project for 2017, Six Seasons (working title in consultation with Aboriginal elders), will see AGWA digitise the entire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection and open a new permanent dedicated Indigenous art Gallery. Opening 29 July, the first display is Outside: Matters of the heart in Indigenous art.
Indigenous stories that have to be told are given voice through a PIAF-exclusive, new AGWA series, Everyone has a history – Part One: Plain Speak. Kimberley research project Desert River Sea: Kimberley Art Then and Now continues into its fifth year. New Indigenous art from the Collection will also be available to view at the Nano Gallery digital stations and online towards the end of 2017.
Six Seasons conveys that AGWA aims to cover all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art (the name refers to the Noongar six seasons) and take a holistic view in step with the natural cycle which is at the heart of Indigenous culture.
The six strands rolling out from 2017 are:
- New Indigenous-focused Six Seasons Gallery – opening 29 July 2017 with the first display, Outside: Matters of the heart in Indigenous art
- Special exhibition – Everyone has a history, Part One: Plain Speak until 13 August 2017
- Kimberley research project – Desert River Sea: Kimberley Art Then and Now continues into its fifth year
- AGWA Indigenous Collection online – from Spring 2017
- Indigenous art Nano Gallery digital station – from late 2017
- WA State Art Collection Your Collection – representation in the main AGWA galleries
*Six Seasons is a working title. The project will be developed with the guidance of Aboriginal elders.
Francis Dolby, Mowanjum artist from Art Gallery of Western Australia on Vimeo.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Digitisation Partner
Michael Cook
Mother (Merry-go-round) 2016
inkjet print on paper
80 x 120 cm
State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia
Purchased 2016
Bindi Cole Chocka
Wathaurung Mob 2007
photograph on Rag paper, ed 1/5
94 x 130 cm
State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia
Purchased through the The Leah Jane Cohen Bequest,
Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation, 2008
