Double exhibition featuring Indigenous artists opening at Geraldton Regional Art Gallery this weekend

Two “underrated” mediums will take centrestage in dual exhibitions opening this weekend at the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery, including one of the most significant private art collections in Australia. Textiles and ceramics will be the stars of the show, which is opening with a free gala on Friday, February 6 and showing to the public until April 5. The ground floor will house one exhibition, Textiles of the Janet Holmes à Court Collection, featuring natural fibre art, silk screen-printed works and stitched hangings, showcased from one of WA’s biggest private collections. “This is one of the first times that multiple artworks from the collection have been curated and displayed,” GRAG arts engagement officer Erin Cleghorn said. Upstairs, visitors can enjoy the Clay on Country, Ceramics from the Central Desert exhibition, co-curated by Jo Foster and Neridah Stockley, which contains work from 32 artists and collectives. Ms Cleghorn said it was a thrill to show off two stunning exhibitions of “underrated mediums”. City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said the exhibitions reinforced the gallery as one of the leading cultural destinations in the Mid West. “The Janet Holmes à Court Collection is one of the most significant private art collections in Australia, and it’s a privilege to share part of it with local art lovers,” he said. “Clay on Country allows audiences to connect with the experiences of artists from Central Australia through ceramics and encourages reflection on our shared histories and diverse cultures.” Both exhibitions feature work from Indigenous artists from WA and around Australia, and highlight the diverse experience and art styles of Indigenous textile and ceramic artists. “These artworks . . . a bulk of them from both exhibitions, are from different Indigenous communities, so just telling different stories is another reason why it’s so different and so needed,” Ms Cleghorn said about bringing the exhibitions to Geraldton. She said that “every person will get something different” out of the exhibitions and art lovers could “bring all the family along”. Tickets for Friday night’s opening gala are free and available online. On Saturday, curator Briony Bray will host a talk and provide insight into the ideas and themes behind the Textiles of the Janet Holmes à Court Collection.