Colours of our Country celebrates 20 years
The Colours of our Country exhibition, exhibited by Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) to showcases the work of Aboriginal artists from across the Pilbara, returns to Perth on September 15-26.
This year’s exhibition features 124 artworks by 43 artists, with each piece reflecting a deep connection to country, culture and community.
The Perth exhibition comes after Colours of our Country reached new audiences after it travelled to London for the first time in July and was showcased to regional WA in Busselton last month.
Since its launch in 2006, Colours of our Country has sold more than 3,100 artworks, with more than $3.4m going directly to Pilbara artists, art centres and their communities.
Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Matthew Holcz says Colours of our Country continues to be a special event for both Rio Tinto and the WA community.
“For thousands of years, Indigenous People have expressed their deep connection to Country through art and storytelling,” he said.
“We’re proud to support Pilbara artists, to amplify their voices, celebrate their talent and share their stories with people across Australia and now around the world.”
Yindjibarndi Elder and 2025 Signature Artist and Artist in Residence, Allery Sandy travelled to London with her signature piece After the Rain.
“Colours of our Country has always been exhibited in Perth, but this year it was exciting to take it to London,” Ms Sandy said.
“It was my first time overseas and it was a joy to see my work displayed internationally alongside the wider Pilbara arts community.
“I live in a little community called Mingullatharndo and I’m always sitting on the veranda looking at country as far as I can see. After the Rain is my way of saying the beauty is still there — the rain brings new life and growth.
“For young Indigenous artists, my message to you is to be bold and strong about who you are, why you paint and the stories you want to leave behind as a legacy for the young ones coming into the world today.”
The exhibition is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at Central Park Tower, 152 – 158 St Georges Terrace, Perth. Artworks are available for purchase at the exhibition with all proceeds going directly to artists, art centres and their communities.