CONTENT WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this page contains the image, name and stories of an Aboriginal man who has passed away. Mr. Gardiner’s family has approved the use of his name and image in recognition and celebration of the artistic significance of his work.
Image credit: Nyaparu (William) Gardiner, Strelley Mob II, 2017. Image courtesy of FORM and Spinifex Hill Studio.
An exceptional insight into the fascinating life of one of the Pilbara’s most iconic artists
Born in the years leading up to Australia’s first Aboriginal workers’ strike of 1946-1949, Mr. Gardiner (1943-2018) lived, worked and raised a family in the country’s remote north west regions. Engaged in both pastoral life and mining―two industries that have driven the nation’s wealth over the past century― Mr. Gardiner experienced firsthand a period of burgeoning Aboriginal political self-determination, through his association with the iconic Pilbara-based ‘Strelley Mob’. He is Myself: The Art of Nyaparu (William) Gardiner presents more than 50 artworks created by Mr. Gardiner during the last four years of his life at Spinifex Hill Studio in South Hedland, including many previously unseen works.
Curated and produced by FORM, this exhibition offers an exceptional insight into the fascinating life of a man who, through his travels and experiences, embodies an era of unprecedented social and economic change for Western Australia and its Aboriginal peoples.
Image credit: 1. He Is Myself: The Art of Nyaparu (William) Gardiner at Goldfields Arts Centre, February 2024. Photography by Mellen Burns | 2. Nyaparu (William) Gardiner, He is Myself Walking, 2018. Image c/o FORM and the artist’s estate | 3. Nyaparu (William) Gardiner, Untitled, 2015. Image c/o FORM and the artist’s estate | 4. Nyaparu (William) Gardiner, Camballin, 2015. Image c/o FORM and the artist’s estate | 5. Nyaparu (William) Gardiner, Untitled, 2018. Image c/o FORM and the artist’s estate.
Click the titles below to find out more:
EXHIBITION DETAILS FOR VENUES
| ARTIST | Nyaparu (William) Gardiner |
| MEDIA | Painting, audio visual, works on paper |
| INSTALLATION | Minimum of 60 running metres |
| MARKETING | Marketing Kit (includes e-invitation template, artwork for hard copy invitation, media release, promotional images, logos and acknowledgements) |
| INTERPRETATION MATERIALS | Exhibition and sponsorship panels Artwork labels Exhibition brochures (free for distribution) Full catalogue (available for purchase) |
| TOUR DURATION | Until May 2024. Available WA and interstate. |
| COST SHARE | ART ON THE MOVE Members: $4,000 (inc. GST) Non Members: $4,500 (inc. GST) |
TOUR ITINERARY
2022
November 11 – December 18
The Goods Shed, Claremont
2023
March 3 – April 23
Shark Bay Discovery Centre
June 2 – July 30
Geraldton Regional Art Gallery
2024
February 16 – March 24
Goldfields Arts Centre
WATCH
HOST THIS EXHIBITION AT YOUR VENUE
Interested in hosting this exhibition? Complete the form below to find out more.
He Is Myself: The Art of Nyaparu (William) Gardiner has been curated and produced by FORM Building a State of Creativity Inc. and Spinifex Hill Studio. The project has been made possible through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost managed by the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, supported by Royalties for Regions and delivered by ART ON THE MOVE
