“Every Wall, Every Floor, Every Channel”: BlakLight Takes Over AGWA Celebrating First Nations Art

Launching on the 18th of March, AGWA will be putting First Nations art at the forefront for a month-long, gallery-wide takeover.

BlakLight will feature hundreds of First Nations artists throughout the entire gallery – showcasing their diverse and complex perspectives, as well as a variety of mediums and styles. From the striking photographic images from Michael Jalaru Torres, to a boldly colourful, abstract mural by emerging artist Tyrown Waigana, or the mammoth Tracks We Share; a collaborative exhibition that brings together over 70 artists from the Pilbara, with a particular focus on acrylic works that the region is known for. Balancing Act will also refocus attention on the formidable State Art Collection of First Nations works – including From our lip, mouths, throats and belly, (pictured below) by Badimia and Yued artist Amanda Bell.

Alongside an exciting array of contemporary works, the exhibition also features a program of events, including music, talks and more – sparking conversations about community, identity and more of the issues affecting First Nations people. This program will also offer an opportunity to reexamine works by non-First Nations artists, including through Rooftop Rewritten: an event that invites six Aboriginal writers and curators to respond to the sculptures on the gallery’s rooftop.

To find out more about BlakLight, head to the AGWA website HERE.

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Header image: Michael Jalaru Torres, Wirriya (happy) from the series Native, 2019.