PERTH, Australia-- Pilbara Aboriginal art will be showcased and available for sale in London in a special 20th anniversary celebration of the Colours of our Country exhibition.
For the first time, the exhibition will take a curated selection of art from Western Australia's Pilbara region on the road. Previously held exclusively in Perth, curated Colours of our Country exhibitions will this year also be displayed in London in the UK, as well as Busselton in Western Australia.
The exhibition, founded and supported by Rio Tinto, celebrates and promotes the work of Aboriginal artists from across the Pilbara region where the company operates.
In doing so, the 20th anniversary exhibition offers a rare opportunity for art lovers on opposite sides of the globe to appreciate the Pilbara's rich culture.
The exhibitions are open to the public in:
- London: 14 - 18 July 2025
- Busselton: 25 - 29 August 2025
- Perth: 15 - 26 September 2025
Each location will host an Artist in Residence, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of that Pilbara artist's culture and connection to Country.
For two decades, the Colours of our Country exhibition has been an important platform for Pilbara Aboriginal artists to showcases their creations and honour their stories, ceremonies, culture and customs.
More than 3,080 artworks have been sold since the first exhibition in 2006, with more than A$3.4 million going directly to Pilbara artists, art centres and their communities.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott said: "We are looking forward to celebrating the 20th Colours of our Country exhibition and are excited to see it showcased in our global head office in London for the first time, as well as on display in the Busselton region in Western Australia's South West, where many of our FIFO workforce live.
"The exhibition continues to be an important avenue to show the unique creations of Pilbara Aboriginal artists. By taking the 20th anniversary art to new audiences, we can help build a deeper appreciation for Pilbara art and the rich culture of the region."
The 2024 Colours of our Country signature artist, Yindjibarndi woman Justina Willis, said: "It was nice to be recognised for my paintings as I like to share my Country.
"The atmosphere of the exhibition was great and it was nice to get out and go to the city to meet all the people who welcomed me kindly and I could share my painting with everyone."
