Kimberley inspires paintings for youth

An explosion of artwork that re-interprets the Kimberley is arriving today in Broome from Mangkaja Arts Centre.

The Gimme Shelter collection is a survey show from the Fitzroy Valley illustrating magnificent works organised by Mangkaja Arts exhibition co-ordinator Wes Maselli at the Short Street Gallery until May 25.

There are 18 artists represented such as Jimmy Nerrimah, Mervyn Street, 2015 WA Indigenous Art Award finalist John “Prince” Siddon, Isaac Cheryl and Sonia Kurarra, with the collection providing a diverse and vibrant view of country and important sources of water or food.

Street, who has recently returned from painting at the Fremantle Art Centre, said he had taken inspiration from the changing Kimberley environment over time and put these images into his paintings for younger audiences.

“I have my own style of painting, I see it as a trial for my paintings to see if people are interested in them,” he said.

“I like to paint about history and things we don’t see any more; things in stories or what people used to see when working on the stations — there’s a lot of things that have disappeared across the landscape in the bush and with the people.”

Siddon, who is submitting art for the MAX Indigenous Art Award this week, said as the artists exhibit their works their thoughts also go out to Mangkaja manager Belinda Cook who is recovering from surgery in Derby.