New Hedland exhibition showcases emerging Indigenous artists at Spinifex Hill Studio

More than 50 works of art created by emerging Aboriginal artists from language groups across the Pilbara and other parts of WA are on display as part of a new exhibition.

The exhibition, New Faces New Names, opened at FORM’s Spinifex Hill Studio on March 24 with a Welcome to Country ceremony performed by Kariyarra man Alfred Barker Jnr.

The show includes more than 50 works by 29 artists, including two pieces created by Kimberley McKie, a young Njamal woman who is following in the artistic footsteps of her mother, accomplished artist Lorna Dawson.

Ms McKie said her artwork The Rivers In My Country, was a contemporary take on the land in her country where she spent many memorable hours camping and fishing by the riverbeds.

“Spending time with family and learning how to fish will always be something I treasure,” she said.

The exhibition also features a slide show by Sharlene Phillips containing biographical information about all the participating artists, along with hand-woven earrings by artists, and comics by Layne Dhu-Dickie.

FORM chief executive Tabitha McMullan said the organisation’s management of Spinifex Hill Studio delivered significant economic benefit for the artists working at the studio.

“For many of the 100 artists who work from the studio, their creative practice is their sole income,” she said.

“Equally important are exhibitions such as New Faces New Names, where Aboriginal voices can be heard and the community can gather in celebration and build cultural awareness and respect.

“We are grateful for the support and participation of the entire Hedland community.”

BHP head of corporate affairs WA Meath Hammond said BHP was proud to partner with FORM to highlight the cultural and social importance of the Hedland community.

“We encourage the community to visit this exhibition and view the work of these talented artists in such an inspiring space, where we can celebrate the achievements of Hedland’s only artist collective for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” she said.

The show runs until June 2.