THE GIFT COLLECTION – ART + OBJECTS: small and affordable exhibition

An idea by Artitja Fine Art in 2009 to encourage Aboriginal art for gift giving has stood the test of time, with their exhibition THE GIFT COLLECTION – ART + OBJECTS: small and affordable opening on 2nd December at Bather’s Beach House.

“In planning our end of year exhibition in 2009 we thought it would be an idea to focus on encouraging people to consider Aboriginal art for gifts. We then went about sourcing a range of good quality licensed product which returns royalties to the artists for the use of their design. The concept was so successful we have continued it as the theme for our December exhibition ever since, each year introducing new and carefully sourced items” says gallery Director Anna Kanaris.

This popular exhibition showcases paintings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and jewellery by Indigenous artists from some of Australia’s most remote communities and aims to encourage not just gift giving, but an appreciation and understanding of Australia’s Indigenous art and culture.

The exhibition is not just about buying gifts, it is also a considered curated exhibition of fine art paintings from remote communities as far away as Arnhem land and art centre communities in the western and central deserts and beyond.

“Part of our objective is to show how accessible Australian Indigenous art can be, and where we can to educate newcomers of the importance and beauty of the art and its culture” says Kanaris.

At the same time, it is the festive season so a great opportunity to create that emporium atmosphere in which Australian made gift lines including silk scarves, ceramics and jewellery are on show.

South Fremantle’s Artitja Fine Art has spent the past eleven years as a ‘pop up’ gallery – way before it was deemed cool to do so – and the concept paid off for directors Anna Kanaris and Arthur Clarke who earlier this year received a Highly Commended gong for Excellence in Enterprise and Innovation at the Fremantle Chamber Business Awards.

“Finding an appropriate exhibiting space is our greatest challenge” says Anna. “It was difficult for the gallery to secure a space this year, and we almost gave up on holding the exhibition but a last ditch attempt and a phone call to the Fremantle BID group reaped rewards and we were delighted to be offered one of the unleased units at the Bathers Beach House this year – so here is the tip – you can do your Christmas shopping in your bathers!” says Kanaris

Artitja Fine Art will occupy the space throughout December and January adding colour, energy and a touch of retail to the largely food precinct, with the added bonus of being on the periphery of the Bathers Beach Art Precinct.

“It’s a win-win – we are close to the restaurants and Kidogo as well as all the cultural and arts activity around J Shed and the Roundhouse – it’s going to be the place to be over the summer holiday period!”

Artitja Fine Art’s mantra for this exhibition is Buy Aboriginal, Buy Australian, Buy only Licensed designs which send royalties back to the artists and their communities.

Location

Bathers Beach House
3/47 Mews Road
Fremantle
2 December – 24 December 2015 and
6 January – 31 January 2016
11-5 Wed-Sun
Other times by appointment
Anna Kanaris 0418 900 954