Trailblazing Bunbury artist Melissa Riley’s work set to feature in Perth skyscraper’s NAIDOC Week exhibition

A Bunbury artist is set to have her work showcased in Perth’s tallest skyscraper as part of its commemoration of NAIDOC Week. Wadjuk Wardandi Waigl Keyp woman Melissa Riley is one of 11 artists to be featured in the Wangening Bardip (Healing Stories) exhibition at Perth’s Central Park from next week. Ms Riley said she was proud of her ancestry and draws inspiration from her culture and nature. “I was raised in a very strong Noongar household, we’re very proud of our heritage and I gather inner strength from the knowledge passed down from my parents and grandparents,” she said. “We’ve had a deep connection with culture and land, which is nice. “It’s not just talked about, I actually live that as much as I can. I find that my inspiration actually comes from nature. “I love looking at details that are on a leaf, bark and even the colour palette I get it all from nature, so that’s my inspiration.” Ms Riley’s work is also a reflection of the experiences of her parents and grandparents and the stories they passed on, noting it is a way to show them respect. “There’s a lot of significance to it,” she said. “For instance, I’ve got a piece in a Fremantle exhibition, and I had to speak on a panel. “That morning I was crying because that piece came from my grandmother’s stories, and having strangers read about it, it’s very personal, it’s very visceral.” The former Indigenous employment services worker said she hoped to inspire younger generations and create connections. “The biggest highlight is building new relationships and friendships through art,” she said. “The genuine part is, when someone contacts me, and they want commission work, and we’re still friends later because, when I’m doing an art piece it’s got to have a connection.” Ms Riley said she hoped to run workshops for children and youth and those with early onset Alzheimer’s in the future. “I was very happy being selected, and they want me to showcase my work and the work of the (Waalitj) Foundation and just being exposed to a larger customer base, especially in the corporate world, is getting my name out there,” she said. The Central Park exhibition will showcase artworks from First Nations artists across the State, all showing off compelling and captivating illustrations aiming to express heartfelt and moving stories. The Wangening Bardip Exhibition will open at Perth’s Central Park on Monday and continues until July 19.