BACK ROOM PASS “ Indigenous Fine Art Affordable and Collectible
It can be quite a challenge operating a home based Indigenous Fine Art gallery which doesn’t publicise a street address or hang signage inviting in walk-by traffic, but Artitja Fine Art owners Anna Kanaris and Arthur Clarke have been successfully doing so since the early part of this decade.
Beginning their own collection of central desert art in the mid 1980’s they eventually began receiving requests from friends and colleagues to research and source certain artists work for purchase and before long, their client base reached such a level that in 2004, they formalised their interest and Artitja Fine Art was born.
Although we advertise our Gallery and our services, we rely heavily on word of mouth recommendations, so we really need to build trust and of course provide a high-quality personalised service, says Ms Kanaris, It is an unusual business model which appeals to those who prefer a personal approach and seeing art in a relaxed, home environment.
That’s not to say that Artitja Fine Art doesn’t hold exhibitions elsewhere. Their second exhibition for 2009, BACK ROOM PASS has a bit of a twist: The idea for a Back Room show came from our realisation that as a home based gallery we have many beautiful works that have not had huge exposure and still have that freshness and vitality about them “ they cry out to be shown!, she says.
The BACK ROOM PASS exhibition is not coincidental to the times, where we all are the more conscious of our spending habits. For all of us who love art and still would like to buy or keep collecting, there’s no reason to stop. This show will be affordable and collectable.
The works on display have been personally selected for the exhibition by Ms Kanaris and include works from leading senior central and western desert artists who recognise the importance of passing on their ancestral stories through their art to the younger and talented artists in their communities and whose work will also be included.
The exhibition will also feature exquisite weaves by well known Nyoongah Bush Sculptor and Telstra Indigenous Art Award entrant this year Janine McAullay Bott.
BACK ROOM PASS is free to the public, open 10am to 5pm daily from June 13th to 21st at Earlywork Gallery, 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
