Drawn from the State Art Collection, the exhibition explores how generations of artists have incorporated the animal motif in their work and invites people to consider how animals are integral to our lives.
Animals take over the walls of the Art Gallery of WA when AGWA’s latest exhibition, Animal Ark,
opens on 7 June. Drawn from the State Art Collection, this free exhibition explores how
generations of artists have incorporated the animal motif in their work and invites people to
consider how animals are integral to our lives.
Jenepher Duncan, AGWA’s Curator of Contemporary Art said, “Animal Ark considers issues
raised by depictions of animals, such as the interface between animal and human identity, the use
of animals as ‘machines’ or companions, as decorative embellishments of human activity, and as
subjects in scenes of daily life, portraits and nature studies.”
Created for a family audience, over 100 works explore the mythology, symbolism and
representation of animals through painting, sculpture, decorative art, video and works on paper
by historical, Indigenous and contemporary artists.
“Through its accessible subject matter, this exhibition aims to expand the understanding of art in
young audiences as well as engage older viewers through the range and quality of the work on
display,” she continued.
The exhibition is supported by a dedicated drawing space where children can draw, read or write
about their favourite animal. Works can be shared on the surrounding walls, or taken home.
Family labels and an exhibition trail will allow families to explore the exhibition together. During the
July school holidays, the Gallery will host art workshops in partnership with REmida and family-
friendly tours of Animal Ark.
Exhibition highlights include well-known favourites such as Hans Heysen’s Droving into the Light
along with Septimus Power’s poignant evocations of the working horse and paintings of
mythological subjects by Sidney Nolan and Arthur Boyd, to contemporary paintings by Jenny
Watson and Rosslynd Piggott, sculpture by Darren Sylvester and James Angus and video work by
Sonia Leber and David Chesworth entitled The way you move me resulting from their recent IASKA
residency in the wheat belt town of Moora.
Indigenous art features strongly in the exhibition with artists such as Rover Thomas, Jimmy Pike,
Karen Casey, Sally Morgan and Clinton Nairn whose work explores the representation and
importance of animals in the telling of ancestral stories.
For families
Family Space – open Wed-Sun (closed Tuesdays) 10am-5pm I FREE
Inspired by artists’ interpretations of nature’s creatures, budding artists can draw, read or write
about their favourite animal.
Family Exhibition Sheets – will be available at the AGWA reception desk or online at
artgallery.wa.gov.au
Pick up an exhibition sheet and make your way through Animal Ark exploring the works and learning
a little more about the artists’ intentions. Answer the questions posed by our education team or quiz
your family members!
School Holiday Activities
Join AGWA on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July for a workshop activity with AGWA and REmida:
The Creative Reuse Centre. Inspired by Ricky Swallow’s work, families will help sculpt a life-size
family of chimpanzees from reused materials. Hourly sessions run from 11am-3pm on both days.
See artgallery.wa.gov.au for booking information. The community creation will be on display
during the July school holidays.
Teacher Resources
Free education resources designed for primary and secondary school students will be available
to download at artgallery.wa.gov.au
Image: Rover Thomas, Goolgool the owl with four young, 1987. ochre and gum on canvas, 61.5 x 107.2 cm (sight) State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia Purchased 1988 © Rover Thomas 1987
FOR MORE INFORMATION, INTERVIEWS AND IMAGES CONTACT:
Tanya Sticca, Art Gallery of Western Australia T+61 8 9492 6692 E tanya.sticca@artgallery.wa.gov.au
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Perth Cultural Centre - Perth WA 6000
Open 10am-5pm Wednesday to Monday
(Closed Tuesdays, Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day)