Bunbury Regional Art Gallery’s Noongar Country showcase highlighting South West Indigenous talent

Talented South West Indigenous artists are in the spotlight at this year’s Noongar Country exhibition at Bunbury Regional Art Gallery.

The annual exhibition returned to BRAG recently, with a big display of creative work by established and emerging Indigenous artists on show.

This year’s theme of Power and Healing: Now, links to the NAIDOC Week theme of Heal Country and allows artists to explore the concept of country and how it relates to healing, power structures, history, memory and justice, and sustains all aspects of life.

Exhibition curator Amanda Bell said the theme had resulted in a strong exhibition rich in variety and differing mediums that brought out the outstanding talents of the array of Aboriginal artists across Noongar Country.

“As curator, I hope this place allows the community to take in the beautiful stories that were created by artists living on Noongar Boodja in a way that is healing, inspirational and fun,” she said.

“In artistic expression around shared stories of history and contemporary experience, some speak of pain, courage and survival, some of joy, beauty and healing.

“All are shared with an open heart and spirit for the community to see, and hear, and feel.”

I hope this place allows the community to take in the beautiful stories that were created by artists living on Noongar Boodja in a way that is healing, inspirational and fun.

A viewers’ choice award can be voted on until the show ends on August 22 and will be awarded once the event has finished.

Entrants also have the opportunity to be included in the City of Bunbury art collection.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said the exhibition was a highlight of the BRAG calendar.

“We have so many talented Aboriginal artists on Noongar Boodja and the artwork on display is always spectacular,” he said.

“The exhibition is a great opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate our rich history and diverse culture, along with the achievements of all First Nation people.”