ARTITJA – THE GIFT COLLECTION: ART + OBJECTS

Over 20 Indigenous artists work will feature in an exhibition to be held in South Fremantle throughout December as part of Artitja Fine Art’s final show for 2009.

From famed artists Minnie Pwerle and Gloria Petyarre to children as young as eight from the desert community of Yuendemu, the exhibition is being held with the aim in mind of showcasing the beauty and accessibility of small works of art.

Anna Kanaris Director of Artitja Fine Art, whose show ARTITJA: THE GIFT COLLECTION: ART + OBJECTS small + affordable, says collecting art doesn’t have to be about buying big.

Yes, this show does coincide with Christmas and gift giving time, and that was purposeful. My first piece of Indigenous art I purchased in Kununurra was in 1986 “ it was simple and tiny “ but to me it was a fabulous bold, bright painting. I loved it then and I love it now “ and it has meaning, both cultural and personal. It is still on the wall and hangs with pride but more importantly it is what began my interest in collecting art.

This show allows for the opportunity to start collecting art which is within reach of the budget. We often have established collectors buying art for their nieces or nephews, or grandchildren, and that’s a perfect way to buy something original and appealing, and can at the same time cultivate a consciousness of Indigenous culture through art.

Although much of what is on show is from desert artists and craftspeople the intricate and stunning bush sculptures created by Nyoongar fibre textile artist Janine McAullay Bott who in August this year was awarded the prestigious Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award at the 26th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards in the Northern Territory will also be on show. Janine uses palm fronds, nuts and seeds to create extraordinary weaves which bear a connection to her culture and convey her family stories.

An exciting new jewellery range featuring artwork by Australia’s foremost Indigenous female artist Emily Kngwarreye has the added benefit of royalties going back to Emily’s estate and this will be the first time the collection has been shown in Perth. Other items include Art books, textiles and the beautifully presented 2010 McCulloch & McCulloch Art Diary.

A PREVIEW EVENING will be held between 4-8pm on Wednesday 2nd December. All are welcome.

ARTITJA: THE GIFT COLLECTION ART + OBJECTS : small + affordable is free to the public and will run between the 3rd and 24th December from 10am to 6pm at 330 South Terrace, South Fremantle.

For further information, please contact Anna Kanaris on 9336 7787 or 0418 900 954 or visit www.artitja.com.au

Download the flyer: artitja_art_objects_small_affordable.pdf