Revealed: showcasing incredible Aboriginal art at Fremantle Arts Centre

Featured: Bigali Ngawurradarn Hanlon Bajila 2022 Courtesy of Juluwarlu Art Group

We recognise and are honoured to work and stand upon Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, and pay respect to elders past, present and emerging.

Revealed Exhibition

The Revealed exhibition showcases new and emerging Aboriginal artists from all across Western Australia. Across our vast state, Aboriginal artistic practice is thriving – whether it’s the continuation of centuries-old techniques informed by tradition, or forays into exciting mediums – the ambitious output is as rich and diverse as WA itself, and will be celebrated once more at Revealed, Fremantle Arts Centre’s popular annual program dedicated to showcasing the best new and emerging Aboriginal artists who call the state home. This year the Revealed Exhibition will open on Friday 6 May and run until Sunday 24 July, a significant calendar shift that sees Revealed coincide with both NAIDOC and National Reconciliation Weeks.

Angela Watson, Minyma Kutjara, 2021, 91 x 122 cm, Acrylic polymer on canvas, Courtesy of Ninuku Arts

Featuring the work of 100 new and emerging talents in 2022, the Revealed Exhibition is now a cornerstone of the WA arts calendar. Revealed showcases the creative works of emerging artists at varying stages of their lives, from young people exploring photography and film to older people who have only recently started painting their Country or who are exploring new mediums and processes. In this way, Revealed offers a unique snapshot of emerging Aboriginal art practice from across Western Australia. With over 250 works, the 2022 Revealed Exhibition features artists from 29 Aboriginal Art Centres and nine independent artists. Fremantle Arts Centre’s galleries will be filled with a vibrant breadth of painting, installation, textiles, photography, print media, video, jewellery, weaving and sculpture. “Revealed is a joy and a celebration, for artists and our communities. The Revealed Exhibition brings together emerging artists at all stages of their lives and showcases Aboriginal art making in all of its diversity and complexity, revealing rich and multi-layered cultural conversations about our histories, our lives and our belongings,” said Fremantle Arts Centre Visual Arts Curator, Glenn Iseger-Pilkington. “Walking through Revealed, you’re filled with a sense of wonder at the stories shared – from ancient narratives of the Dreaming to the funny quirks of Arts Centre life.” Artists were selected for the 2022 Revealed Exhibition by a panel of industry experts comprised of Glenn Iseger-Pilkington, Sharyn Egan and Carly Lane. “Revealed is a critical moment in the national calendar for Western Australian Aboriginal artists and connects deeply with Fremantle Art Centre’s overall curatorial commitment to connecting people through truth-telling and powerful narratives of place,” said Fremantle Arts Centre Director Anna Reece.

Jennifer Mintaya Connelly, Ladies Picnic, 2021, 26 x 30 x 70 cm, Acrylic on found metal oil sump, recycled pram wheels and tent poles. Courtesy Minyma Kutjara Arts Project

Possibly the most unique installation featured in Revealed is Minyma Kutjara Arts Project's series of car sculptures. These pieces are assembled from recycled materials such as tent poles and pram wheels, resulting in a charming, vibrant, upcycled feel. Located in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, which is a vast desert region on the tri-state border of Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia – the Minyma Kutjara Arts Project was initiated by the people and artists of Irrunytu. Established in 1975, Irrunytju is home to over 150 Anangu (people) who primarily speak the Pitjantjatjara language. The Arts Centre brings together contemporary painting techniques and media with ancient visual language and Tjukurpa (Dreaming). These works, along with pieces from 100 other artists in the Revealed Exhibition, are for sale.

Revealed WA Aboriginal Art Market (May 27 to May 29)

With ongoing COVID travel restrictions, the Revealed Market will return as an online event from Friday 27 – Sunday 29 May, ensuring vital income for the artists and Arts Centre who take part. After a successful online debut in 2021, which attracted over 15,000 visitors from more than 50 countries around the world, the Revealed WA Aboriginal Art Market is anticipated to be bigger and better in 2022 – with an enormous selection of quality paintings, textiles, carved artefacts, homewares, prints, clothing, ceramics, jewellery and more to choose from. The Revealed Market exists to provide an ethical avenue for purchasing original art from art centres and independent artists across the state, in one place, with 100% of all profits raised from sales return to the participants. The Revealed Market is open to all WA Aboriginal artists – emerging, mid-career and senior – with works priced from as little as $50, catering for first-time buyers through to collectors and investors. To view the full list of exhibiting artists, visit the Revealed Exhibition page.