Fremantle Arts Centre will soon unveil new multi-disciplinary exhibition 'It's Always Been Always' - a tribute to Aboriginal women, celebrating their pivotal role as custodians, intrinsic connectors and cultural caretakers.
Bringing together a diverse range of small to large-scale works by six acclaimed Aboriginal female artists from across Australia, the exhibition is set to open to the public in May.
The new exhibition will centre the voices of Blak women and their powerful connections to Country, Community, and Culture.
Curated by Whadjuk, Balladong, and Wilman Noongar artist Zali Morgan, It's Always Been Always features newly commissioned and existing works by: Wendy Hubert (Yindjibarndi – Juluwarlu Art Group), Kaylene Whiskey and the Iwantja Young Women's Film Project, (Yankunytjatjara – Iwantja Arts), Harriette Bryant (Pitjantjatjara – Mimili Maku Arts), Jazz Money (Wiradjuri and Irish), Yabini Kickett (Bibulmun/Noongar), and Amanda Bell (Badimia and Yued Noongar).
Working across differing practices and materialities including video, installation, paint and poetry, these artists will share stories of resilience and kinship, and the unique ways they sustain and nurture their relationships with land, family and identity.
Morgan, whose work often explores cultural legacy and connection between women and the land, said each artist will showcase their own story of and personal experiences of womanhood.
"This exhibition champions female Aboriginal artists from across Australia. It seeks to reflect on the resilience of Indigenous women and pay homage to their strength and wisdom which has shaped our communities," she said.
"Each artist will bring her own story – stories of women, motherhood and femininity – stories that need to be told and which speak to broader contemporary issues in the Australian arts and political landscape. Now is the time to listen to First Nations artists and communities, and in particular, Blak women."
Curator and collections lead at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, Abigail Moncrieff, commented on the great honour in celebrating the strength and wisdom of these six women artists and their stories in the galleries in Walyalup Fremantle.
"It's Always Been Always will transform the gallery into an immersive space with artworks ranging from a 9-metre painting by Yindjibarndi Elder, Cultural Custodian and Linguist Wendy Hubert, to a site responsive text installation by Amanda Bell, to the vibrant and joyous video work of Kaylene Whiskey and the Iwantja Young Women's Film Project," she said.
"It's Always Been Always will share the diverse stories of Indigenous women and celebrate their central role in preserving culture and shaping the future of their communities."
It's Always Been Always will exhibit at the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre on Saturday, 3 May – Sunday, 3 August 2025.
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