Pilbara artworks showcased at Perth exhibition

The vibrant colours of the Pilbara brightened up a Perth CBD building last week at an exhibition dedicated to showcasing Aboriginal artworks from across the region.

About 300 paintings and artefacts by Pilbara artists went on display in Rio Tinto’s Perth head office over four days for Colours of our Country, an annual exhibition hosted by the company, now in its 14th year.

The works were done by a mix of independent artists and those from the Yinjaa-Barni Art, Wangaba Roebourne, Cheeditha and Juluwarlu art groups.

Brad Haynes, Rio Tinto vice-president of corporate relations Australia, said the company was proud to support the exhibition and promote the work of some “exceptionally talented artists” from the region.

“The exhibition gives the wider Perth community an opportunity to see the Pilbara and all its colours and stories on canvas,” he said.

A painting of Cossack’s Galbraith Store by the late artist Mr Mack of Yinjaa-Barni Art, was chosen by Rio Tinto as the 2019 work to be gifted to the Art Gallery of WA for its collection of Pilbara Aboriginal artwork.

Colours of our Country ran from October 29-November 1.

Since beginning in 2006, the exhibition has resulted in the sale of more than 2300 artworks, raising more than $2.5 million in proceeds for participating artists, art groups and communities.