Rio Tinto’s Colours of our Country exhibition is back to share in the stories and culture of the Pilbara region.
Now in its 18th year, the exhibition will be held at the Central Park building in Perth from Monday October 9 to Friday October 20.
The exhibition will showcase a vibrant collection of more than 200 unique Aboriginal artworks from 46 artists.
This year’s line-up will feature independent artists and participating art centres including Yinjaa-Barni Art Centre, Wangaba Roebourne Art Group, Cheeditha Art Group and Juluwarlu Art Group.
Artwork can be purchased in person, or online via a virtual exhibition at coloursofourcountry.com with all proceeds going directly to the artists, art centres and their communities.
Since the exhibition launched in 2006, more than 2860 artworks have been sold, generating more than $3.1 million for local artists, their art groups and communities.
“We are afforded the great privilege of operating on the lands of Traditional Owners and we are proud to partner with these amazing artists to showcase the unique culture and landscapes of the Pilbara,” Rio iron ore chief executive Simon Trott said.
A piece by Cheeditha Art Group member Wendy Warrie titled ‘Out on the Horizon,’ has been chosen as the signature art piece for this year’s exhibition.
Reflecting on her artwork, Wendy Warrie said, “When I go fishing, I like to watch the tide come in and throw in my fishing line and wait for a bite.
“When I look out to sea, I see a storm cloud gathering on the horizon. I get scared sometimes because it might be a big storm coming and I go sit in the car.”
First held in 2006, Colours of our Country has evolved from a pop-up exhibition originally commemorating 40 years of Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in Western Australia.
Now a high-profile annual event, the exhibition provides art-lovers with the opportunity to connect with Pilbara Aboriginal artists and hear the stories that inspire their work.