Published on Wednesday, 21 June 2023 at 3:53:10 PM

Paintings from two private Albany art collections will be on public display at the Albany Town Hall next week to recognise NAIDOC Week 2023.

The exhibition ‘Miaritch – Collections of Noongar Art’ highlights the deep history and rich culture of these private collections of regional Noongar art, both past and present.

Art enthusiasts Tony Davis and Trevor Garland have loaned 31 paintings to the Town Hall that showcase Noongar art over the past 75 years.

From the early works of Carrolup child artist Reynold Hart and Revel Cooper to several works by matriarch Bella Kelly and contemporary art from Lance Chadd / Tjyllyungoo – the range of work is impressive.

Miaritch is the Menang word for Oyster Harbour and reflects the confluence of many waters, and the melding of several diverse art styles with the shared passions of the two collectors.

Mr Garland said his focus is to preserve the artworks for future generations.

“I see the part I play in this exhibition as collecting, caring for and protecting these paintings in what I believe is cultural legacy,” he said.

Mr Davis is also launching his book as part of the NAIDOC exhibition.

“My book is called ‘White Sails and Charcoal: Stories of Coincidence, Bella Kelly and Carrolup’ and the launch will be part of a special ‘in conversation’ afternoon at the Town Hall with myself and Trevor,” he said.

The “in conversation” afternoon will take place on Saturday, 1 July at 1pm, with a chance to chat with the collectors, view the exhibition, and purchase a signed copy of the book.

Miaritch – Collections of Noongar Art will be on display at the Albany Town Hall from 27 June – 22 July 2023.

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