Aboriginal Art in Perth and Fremantle
Perth and Fremantle are vibrant hubs for Aboriginal art, from well-established institutions to intimate gallery spaces, these locations provide a unique opportunity to connect with the stories, heritage, and contemporary expressions of Aboriginal artists.
This overview presents a general list of key galleries in the region, each contributing to the broader appreciation and understanding of Aboriginal art. While every gallery included here plays an important role in the cultural landscape, we’ve also noted those that ART ARK particularly recommends for their ethical practices, strong community ties, and exceptional collections. These recommended galleries stand out for their dedication to promoting authentic Aboriginal art and supporting the artists and communities from which these works originate.
1. Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA)
ART ARK Highly Recommended
The Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is the state’s premier art institution, located in the Perth Cultural Centre. AGWA boasts an impressive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, ranging from traditional works to contemporary pieces by both emerging and established artists. The gallery’s Aboriginal art collection is one of the most significant in Australia, featuring works that reflect the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures from across the country. AGWA regularly hosts exhibitions that highlight the importance of Aboriginal art within the broader context of Australian and international art. ART ARK highly recommends AGWA for its commitment to preserving and promoting Aboriginal art at both a state and national level.
2. Aboriginal Art Centre Hub WA (Northbridge)
ART ARK Highly Recommended
The Aboriginal Art Centre Hub WA (AACHWA) plays a vital role in supporting Aboriginal art centres across Western Australia. Located in Northbridge, AACHWA is not a traditional gallery but is instrumental in providing services such as capacity building, professional development, and advocacy for art centres and artists. Through exhibitions and events, AACHWA helps bring the work of Aboriginal artists to a wider audience. ART ARK recognises the importance of AACHWA’s work in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities across the state.
3. Mossenson Galleries (Subiaco)
ART ARK Recommended
Mossenson Galleries, located in Subiaco, has been a significant presence in the Australian art scene since its founding in 1993. The gallery specialises in contemporary Aboriginal art and is known for representing both emerging and established Indigenous artists. Mossenson Galleries is committed to ethical practices, particularly in promoting artists from remote communities and ensuring their cultural heritage is respected. The gallery’s collection is diverse, featuring paintings, sculptures, and textiles that reflect the depth and complexity of Indigenous Australian culture. ART ARK recommends Mossenson Galleries for its strong focus on authenticity and ethical sourcing.
4. Fremantle Arts Centre
ART ARK Recommended
The Fremantle Arts Centre is a multi-disciplinary arts organisation housed in a historic building that originally served as a lunatic asylum. While not exclusively focused on Aboriginal art, the Fremantle Arts Centre regularly features exhibitions that include significant works by Indigenous artists. The centre also offers artist residencies, workshops, and cultural events that provide a platform for Aboriginal voices in the contemporary art scene. This makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to engage with a broader spectrum of artistic expression.
5. Artitja Fine Art (South Fremantle)
ART ARK Recommended
Artitja Fine Art, located in South Fremantle, is a by-appointment gallery that specialises in Aboriginal art. Founded in 2004, Artitja is committed to ethical sourcing and maintaining direct relationships with artists and remote communities. The gallery offers a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles, representing Indigenous artists from across Australia. ART ARK recommends Artitja for its dedication to ethical practices and its focus on showcasing art that is deeply connected to the artists’ cultural heritage.
6. Japingka Aboriginal Art Gallery (Fremantle)
Japingka Aboriginal Art Gallery, located in Fremantle’s West End, is one of the better-known galleries in the area. The gallery offers a range of contemporary Aboriginal art, with a particular focus on works from the Central and Western Desert regions, as well as the Kimberley.
7. The Berndt Museum of Anthropology (Crawley)
ART ARK Recommended
The Berndt Museum, located at The University of Western Australia in Crawley, is one of the most significant collections of Aboriginal art and cultural material in Australia. The museum was founded by anthropologists Ronald and Catherine Berndt, whose extensive research and collections have been pivotal in preserving and promoting Aboriginal culture. The Berndt Museum regularly hosts exhibitions that feature works from its collection, offering deep insights into the cultural practices and artistic expressions of Indigenous Australians. The museum’s exhibitions are known for their depth and academic rigor, making it an essential stop for those seeking a deeper understanding of Aboriginal art and culture.
8. The Aboriginal Art Gallery at the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip (Perth)
ART ARK Recommended
The Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip, located in the Perth Cultural Centre, features a dedicated Aboriginal Art Gallery as part of its broader commitment to celebrating the culture and history of Indigenous Australians. The gallery showcases a rotating selection of artworks from the museum’s extensive collection, which includes pieces from various regions across Australia. The gallery’s exhibitions often explore themes of identity, history, and connection to the land, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with the stories and traditions of Aboriginal people through art.
9. The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery at The University of Western Australia (UWA)
ART ARK Recommended
The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, located on the University of Western Australia’s Crawley campus, is known for its strong focus on Australian and Indigenous art. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions that feature contemporary Aboriginal art, drawing on UWA’s extensive Berndt Museum Collection, which includes significant works by Aboriginal artists. The gallery’s exhibitions often explore the intersections of culture, history, and identity, providing a platform for Aboriginal voices in the academic and cultural landscape of Perth.
10. Gallery Central (Northbridge)
Gallery Central, located within the North Metropolitan TAFE in Northbridge, is an exhibition space that frequently showcases works by Aboriginal artists. The gallery provides a platform for emerging and established Indigenous artists, offering exhibitions that highlight the diversity of contemporary Aboriginal art in Western Australia. Gallery Central is also involved in educational initiatives, working to raise awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal culture through art.
11. Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery (Fremantle)
The Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery, managed by the City of Fremantle, is a space dedicated to contemporary art, including regular exhibitions of Aboriginal art. Located in Fremantle’s historic West End, the gallery provides a platform for both solo and group exhibitions, often featuring works by Aboriginal artists that explore contemporary issues, cultural heritage, and identity. The gallery’s exhibitions are known for their experimental and dynamic nature, making it a vibrant part of Fremantle’s art scene.
Recommended Itinerary:
For those looking to explore Aboriginal art in Perth and Fremantle, we recommend starting your journey online at the Aboriginal Art Centre Hub WA to gain insight into the broader support and advocacy network for Aboriginal artists in Western Australia. Following that, visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) in the Perth Cultural Centre, which offers an extensive and significant collection of Aboriginal art. For those interested in purchasing art, explore the commercial galleries such as Mossenson Galleries in Subiaco, known for its strong focus on authenticity and representing both emerging and established Indigenous artists, and Artitja Fine Art in South Fremantle, where the commitment to ethical sourcing and direct community engagement is paramount. To round out your experience, the Berndt Museum and The Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery at UWA offer deep academic perspectives on Aboriginal art and culture, making them essential stops for those seeking a richer understanding of Indigenous traditions.