The Paradisical World of Janet Dreamer : In partnership with Yarliyil Arts

Launch exhibition of paintings by East Kimberley painter Janet Dreamer (1959-2021).  Known affectionately as "Dreamer", Janet Dreamer's unique works  bring to life  the flora, wildlife and water life of her birthplace - Old Flora Valley Station; the lush oasis of nearby Palm Springs and the abundant wildlife, plants and cultural significance of the places  she observed on the many journeys she called 'walkabout'. 

Although Dreamer started painting at the age of 16 under her father's tutelage, it was only much later, after she joined Yarliyil Arts at Halls Creek in 2013, that she started painting in earnest and with her own vision.  And what a vision it was.  Her vibrantly coloured canvases with their free imagery and sizzling hues depict extroadinary vistas of the vast reaches of Jaru Country - from the north western coastal Derby region to the inland town of Halls Creek. 

  At Yarliyil Arts, Dreamer was an artistic powerhouse as she painted ceaselessly for hours on end.  Art centre staff had never experienced anything like either her artistic style - a seamless blend of naive figuration and abstraction, her unerring confidence with colour, or  her prodigious output.   First, she would set down her main subject (typically fauna, birds, flora or water life), then semi obscure them with sweeps of luminous colours and patterns. The results are joyous works of boundless, raw energy characterised by brilliant colouration and unique figuration. In their depictions of often now rare wildlife, and some ceremonial iconography, her work is also of profound cultural significance.  

A finalist (in posthumous tribute) in Perth's John Stringer Prize 2022, Dreamer's work is also in the collection of AGWA.

This exhibition launches a national exhibition programme of Dreamer's works by Everywhen Art.  

Opening drinks and address Saturday February 8 | 2 pm

To be opened by long term Kimberley art manager Kevin Kelly, former art centre manager Waringarri Arts, co-owner Red Rock Art, and acting manager of Yarliyil Art Centre.
Free event | Book here  

Exhibition online soon