November 10, 2020

Naidoc Week Artist Exhibition x White Story

We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land where we live and work in the South Eastern suburbs of Victoria, the Wurundjeri-Willam People, and pay our respects to elders past and present.

In recognition of Naidoc Week 2020, a dedication to the traditional owners of the land we call home.

In acknowledgement of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, this is our homage to the stories they share. A showcase of local artwork, curated by White Story's Founder and Creative Director Fiona Myer.

While words won't do the profound meaning of these works justice, ours is a small acknowledgement of the power these works carry.

Fiona asked Don Holt of Delmore Gallery about the beginnings of his career as an art dealer, and how Aboriginal art became his specific focus. The artist's Don has fostered have evolved to be some of Australia’s most prolific and prominent artist's.

When I was 16, Aboriginal Artists from an Aranda speaking Community near Alice Springs used to approach my Mother at our town house and ask her to buy their water colour landscape paintings.

They were similar to those of Albert Namatjira. As my Mother could speak 3 Aboriginal Languages, they were able to talk to her about what these paintings meant to them.

The Artists also continued to offer me their Artwork, so between 1967 and 1987 I casually collected about 300 of these early works.

So when The Aboriginal People of Utopia wanted to start painting in 1989, they came to myself and my then Wife Janet, at our Property, Headquarters, Delmore. Downs.

We gave out Art materials to about 120 People, some of them have become World famous, for example: Emily Kngwarreye, Gloria Petyarre, Kathleen Petyarre, Angeline Kngale, Kathleen Kngale, Barbara Weir, Dave Ross & Cowboy Louie Pwerle.

Who have all had very successful Overseas Exhibitions and private sales.

Emily Kngwarreye has been the biggest star, with a Retrospective in Japan and Canberra. We have had very strong demand for her work in Europe and The USA.

Barbara Weir has had over 90 Exhibitions of her work and has sold to many important Public and Private Collections.

BARBARA WEIR.

"MY MOTHERS COUNTRY" 2 M X 2.1M, Now on display at White Story Armadale House. 1022 High Street Armadale.

Painting her first stretched canvas work in 1989, and nurtured by esteemed gallerist Don Holt, Barbara Weir is a captivating story teller. Painted in-situ during travels to Hawaii, California and throughout the USA, Barbara's works are a modern representation of the land we are born from.