Revealed online exhibition opens today

Artworks from Fremantle Art Centre’s 2020 Revealed Exhibition, an annual showcase of the quality and diversity of Western Australian Aboriginal art, are now available to view and purchase online.

Art enthusiasts across the country now have the opportunity to experience a generous and varied collection of artworks by 120 of the most exciting new and emerging Western Australian Aboriginal artists by visiting the Fremantle Arts Centre website.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of this year’s highly anticipated Revealed art market and exhibition to protect public health and the safety of the artists involved, many of whom travel from very remote regional communities.

Fremantle Arts Centre Director Jim Cathcart said although he couldn’t hope to match last year’s Revealed sales of more than $600,000, the centre remained committed to supporting Aboriginal artists.

“Our doors may be closed but the FAC team is still dedicated to bringing audiences the Revealed Exhibition,” Mr Cathcart said.

“We’ve developed a comprehensive catalogue for the exhibition which is available on our website so that people can view all the works, find out more about the artists and art centres and hopefully generate sales to support them through this very difficult period.”

Revealed is an annual program funded by the WA State Government which showcases WA Aboriginal art through an exhibition, art market and program of professional development for artists and art centre staff.

 It’s an essential platform for nurturing and celebrating the next generation of Aboriginal artists and generates vital income.

The 2020 Revealed Exhibition features independent and Nyoongar artists from metropolitan Perth and the South West alongside artists from WA’s remote and regional art centres.

They were selected by an expert curatorial panel comprising of the Art Gallery of Western Australia’s Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, Carly Lane, and the Curator at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, Charlotte Hickson.

Each artist has created new works for Revealed, which spans a breadth of styles and mediums including painting, installation, video, textiles, photography, print media, jewellery, carving and sculpture.

Revealed 2019 artist Cora Lynch said being part of the program had a lasting impact on her career.

“It’s opened my eyes to the arts industry and opportunities as an Aboriginal artist. I’ve gained some inspiring friends and mentors as a result,” Ms Lynch said.

Fremantle Arts Centre has waived all gallery commissions on Revealed sales, ensuring that 100 per cent of profits return to the artists and art centres.

The Revealed catalogue and detailed instructions on how to purchase artworks is available on the Fremantle Arts Centre website at fac.org.au.