Noongar Country is an annual exhibition celebrating the talent and diversity of local Indigenous artists who reside on Noongar Country. Noongar Country stretches as far North as Geraldton, in land to Southern Cross and down as far south as Esperance.

This year’s theme ‘For Our Elders’ which is also the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Observance Committee’s theme for NAIDOC Week 2023 explores themes around those that unite us as people, those that educate, those that protect us and those that care for our Boodja – our Elders.

The exhibition showcases senior artists, emerging artists and community groups and offers all artists the opportunity to extend their practice by interpreting a theme and exhibiting their artwork for sale. 

Exhibiting artists include:

Amanda Bell / Arthur Eades / Ballardong Person One / Ballardong Person Two / Baldja Yorgas (Womens Groups SWANS) / Brianna Shaw / Bianca Willder  / Candice Nannup / Candy Riley / Charlotte Ugle / Chris Colard / Cole Baxter / Dawn Alone / Dellas Bennell / Delphine Schwarze / Diahan Riley / Dwayne Woods / Emily Rose / Geoffrey Woods / Goveng Man / Jade Riley / Janaya Johns / Jennifer.R Woods / Jennifer Riley / Jodie Riley / Joshua James / Katie West / Kathy Ugle / Keelan Reagan / Kim Kiosses / Lea Taylor / Lera Bennell / Maidens Park Primary School / Marjorie Ugle / Maya Hume / Melissa Riley / Megan Corby / Menang Man / Noongar Person One / Noongar Person Two / Noongar Art Program / Pauline Farmer / Rhilip Hansen / Rhona Wallam / Rhonda Norman / Samantha Johnston / Shannon Clohessy / Sharyn Egan / Stephen Taylor / SWAG Taylor / Tahlia Bennell / Tessa Birch / Victoria Coyne / Violet Coyne / Yabini Kickett / Wendy Jean Hayden / Whadjuk Person / Wilman, Ballardong Person / Zalia Morgan.

Congratulations to all the exhibiting artists and a special congratulations to this year's winners;

Overall Winner Alcoa Award ($10,000): Emily Rose for her piece, 'Listen'

Runner Up ($2,000): Stephen Taylor for his work, 'In the Moment’

Emerging Artist Award ($1,000): Charlotte Ugle for her work, ‘Emu Standing’

Community Artist Award ($500): Chris Collard for his work, ‘Gravel Hill Camps’

Meet our curator

This year's show is curated by proud Noongar emerging artist and curator, Katelyn Whitehurst. 

"As the curator of the 2023 exhibition, I waangkiny artists to depict and create objects that reflect the matriarchs of our communities – the holders of knowledge. Those who are quiet, yet powerful. Those in our families who we look to for guidance and strength. The makers of the best warm cuppa, who serve it with a cheeky laugh, and the biggest smile. Based on this year’s NAIDOC theme, For Our Elders, Noongar Country 2023 encapsulates moort in its highest regard." - Katelyn Whitehurst.

Gain further insight behind the vision and process at Katelyn's Curator Talk held on Friday 22 September 

Nanna's living space

As part of this year's ‘Noongar Country' exhibition, curator Katelyn Whitehurst has transformed the Lindsey Stout gallery space into a welcoming lounge room inviting visitors to spend some time and share yarns. Grab a tea or coffee from the gallery's coffee lounge, take a seat, get cosy, and take in the adorning artwork, whilst enjoying some living room activities provided, including card games, board games, and books, along with crochet and knitting needles. This space was intended to remind us of our elders, inspired by Katelyn's own experiences growing up in her Nan's living room. 

The interactive stories

Immerse yourself in this year’s Noongar Country exhibition and unlock the hidden narratives behind selected artworks by scanning the accompanying QR codes. Bring along your own smart device with headphones or borrow one of BRAG's and  listen to the artists share the stories behind their works.