A perfect Djeran/autumn evening provided the stunning backdrop for a gathering on 7 April 2022 at the Art Gallery of Western Australia to celebrate Ever Present: First People’s Art of Australia.
Michael Chaney AO, Chairman of Wesfarmers, hosted First Nations artists and supporters across government, business and the community for an evening viewing of the exhibition plus the unveiling of a major new Wesfarmers commissioned work entitled Walam-Wunga.Galang – Grindstones by Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Jonathon Jones. This large-scale installation of nine over-sized sandstone grindstones, reflecting on millenia of Indigenous custondianship and cultivation of the land, is a gift of Wesfarmers to the National Collection to mark the Ever Present collaboration with NGA.
Following the exhibition viewing, led by NGA Curator Tina Baum, guests enjoyed an entirely First Nations curated dining experience on the AGWA rooftop, devised by Bibbulmun/Wardandi chef Dale Tilbrook.
We thank all the exhibiting artists, together with our partners National Gallery of Australia and Art Gallery of Western Australia for joining with The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art to present Ever Present in Boorloo/Perth, where the Wesfarmers story began.
Ever Present: First People’s Art of Australia now travels to the National Gallery of Singapore from 27 May – 25 September 2022.
