Essence of Country in Busselton

More than 100 rarely exhibited artworks have been prised from South West studios for a collection of earth-inspired works in Busselton.

The biggest representation of indigenous artists in an exhibition will be shown in Essence of Country at ArtGeo this month.

Busselton’s Kenneth Ninyette, who said he was “fussy” when it came to exhibitions, allowed his traditional ochre paintings to be exhibited for the second time in 40 years in Essence of Country.

The traditional mud-and-water painting method was a technique passed through his Nyoongar heritage. Mr Ninyette said he was keen to give insight into his views on the way the world was formed.

“It’s my chance to tell my story my way and not be told how my culture is,” he said.

John Harrison explores a connection with the surf in his acrylic paintings which he said carried a hidden meaning open to the viewer’s interpretation.

A Margaret River local of 30 years and self-confessed deep thinker, his works include paintings of cows, used to show a connection between a herd of animals and humans.

Mr Harrison said his art was a way to get his thoughts across to the public.

“I’m a bit of a philosopher,” he said.

“I find if I put (my thoughts) into pictures they can see the straight picture or something deeper.”

Mr Harrison said he was drawn to the tribal aspect of the exhibition and also rarely exhibited his work.

Held as part of the Tribal Mix Festival, the Artatac exhibition includes the work of 11 indigenous artists as well as sculptors, painters and photographers.

Organiser Rachelle Collins said the artists in the exhibition were a collection of creative people who had not necessarily had the chance to display their work in public before.

“I thought here’s a prime opportunity to show off these artists and because no one has heard of them that they’re that good,” she said.

Essence of Country opened on Friday and will run until February 6.