During the winter of 2004, I was lucky enough to escape Nantucket Island’s frigid temperatures (and 30 miles of frozen surrounding ocean…) to spend time in Perth, Australia. Perth is located on the south west tip of Western Australia (WA), the capital of a state that composes roughly one-third of the Australian continent.

February in Perth offers not only the height of summer, but also Perth’s International Arts Festival, an extravaganza of music, lectures, theatre and art. While at a lecture in the Perth Concert Hall, I had the great good fortune to be introduced to Bob Kucera, Tourism Minister of WA, who is quite familiar with the arts of WA. Having arrived the night before, I asked Bob what was exciting about the arts scene in Perth. He simply looked at the Concert Hall’s ceiling, which featured a monumental painting created by a number of contemporary Indigenous artists, pointed up, and responded with the comment, “Indigenous Art”. Bob set up a meeting with me and Marilyn Morgan, who is heavily involved with WA’s indigenous artists. Marilyn introduced me to the indigenous arts in Perth and its environs while sharing her enthusiasm about the artists who are painting and working in WA today.

Like many people, I had my preconceived notions of Aboriginal art: primitive, incomprehensible and un-approachable for a Westerner. I was wrong. I was stunned when I came in contact with the art and the artists that are featured in this group show. The work is contemporary, strong, sacred, elemental and quite approachable. Indigenous art is “hot” now, with many people sharing my reaction. The work gets top billing in the museums throughout Australia, but the explosive interest is not just limited to Australia. Sotheby’s is finding a strong international interest in Aboriginal art in the auction market, and there is a growing international clamor to learn more about this art and these artists.

Many of the artists in this Group Show have gained or are gaining international notoriety, as their work is increasingly shown in Australia, Asia, Europe, and the United States. I traveled throughout Australia viewing as much art as possible and I believe that the quality of art you will see in this book is unrivaled. I am moved at a visceral level when I spend time with these paintings. This stirred emotion is only enhanced by the historical and spiritual elements that are woven through these paintings. I have been honored to work with all of the people in Western Australia who helped to make this show a reality.

Sara B. Boyce
Owner, The Brigham Galleries

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