Calling all art aficionados, history buffs and those keen to learn more about Aboriginal culture—WA Museum Boola Bardip’s latest exhibition invites you to explore one of Australia’s most remote Aboriginal communities with Spinifex People: Art and stories from Pila Nguru.
If you haven’t heard of the Spinifex People, let us give you a crash course. Also known as the Pila Nguru (translating to ‘people of the spinifex’), the Spinifex People are the Traditional Owners of the land in the incredibly remote Great Victoria Desert, where it’s estimated they’ve lived for over 600 generations.
Running from now until May 4 at WA Museum Boola Bardip, the incredible exhibition covers thousands of years of history and deep dives into the lives, traditions and resilience of the Spinifex community.
Immerse yourself in the visual masterpieces, artifacts, digital projections, and films celebrating the Spinifex People’s enduring connection to their ancestral land.
To get a greater gist of what to expect from this profound exhibition, we asked artist and proud Senior Spinifex Law Man Ned Grant and Museum curator Anneliese Carson for their insights.
“Lots of families have passed, but we are still here painting story, Tjukurpa.”
—Ned Grant, Senior Spinifex Law Man and Artist
One of the more recent pivotal moments for this community—which you’ll be able to see in the exhibit—is the Native Title Determination in 2000, where two larger-than-life collaborative paintings played a key part in its success.
"Spinifex People were compelled to demonstrate their native title rights and responsibilities to Country in a way non-Spinifex lawmakers—the Government—could understand,” shares Carson.
In the early 1900s, the Spinifex People were pushed out of Country for nuclear testing and it wasn’t until the late '90s that Spinifex men and women began to paint Country, individually, and collaboratively.
“The women and men painted the places where they were born, they painted their homelands and achieved exactly what they’d set out to do. The Native Title paintings are such powerful pieces historically, politically, culturally and aesthetically, and it's a special gift from Spinifex People to have them in the exhibition.”
The Spinifex People used intricate designs of Country in a vibrant, earthy palette to create two powerful documents of reclamation—two paintings that contributed significantly to their successful recognition of land rights in 2000. The Spinifex People’s Native Title was just the second consent (uncontested) determination of Native Title in WA at the time.
“I’m happy everyone will know Spinifex People's culture and our stories. Palumpa kulintjaku (they’ll listen and learn).”
—Ned Grant, Senior Spinifex Law Man and Artist
The contributors for the exhibit come from the Spinifex Arts Project. Bringing works that have captivated audiences worldwide, the impactful Native Title paintings and collection of significant early works toured globally in the early 2000s before landing back in Perth. Showcasing the beauty of the Spinifex People’s desert homeland, the works highlight the strength and unity of their community.
Carson hopes that visitors will "come away with a sense of awe and respect for the sheer magnitude of Spinifex People’s story”.
“I hope visitors fall in love with this art, which is richly filled with layers of history, Tjukurpa, passion, connection and identity; to get to know their story, to know about the resolve and resilience and incredible creativity that got Spinifex People their Country back.”
—Anneliese Carson, Curator
The intricately detailed paintings in a palette of rich reds, deep browns, bright yellows and burnt orange hues are mesmerising, but these paintings hold a far deeper significance than just their visual appeal.
Serving as profound expressions of cultural identity, connection to Country, and enduring storytelling traditions of the Spinifex People, the paintings are complimented by an array of objects, digital projections and film to transport you into their world.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the monumental efforts of Spinifex People at WA Museum Boola Bardip. Explore more information and other exhibits to hit while visiting, here.
The Details
What: Spinifex People: Art and Stories from Pila Nguru
Where: WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth Cultural Centre
When: 5 December 2024 until 5 May 2025
Tickets: Free
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by WA Museum and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Supplied.