Rare WA glimpses through early European eyes

Saturday, 17 September 2016

• ​Exhibition of earliest drawings and paintings by colonists and explorers
• "Unknown Land" reveals unique historic views of Perth and regional WA

A new exhibition at the Art Gallery of Western Australia offers rare views of Perth and Western Australia, recorded by early European colonists and explorers.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the "Unknown Land" Mapping and Imagining Western Australia exhibition would offer unique perspectives of well-known landmarks which would resonate with audiences from across the State.

"This is both a visual showcase and a history masterclass, as viewers explore WA's colonial past through the eyes of professional and amateur artists, illustrators and surveyors," Mr Day said.

"With more than 150 works drawn from the State Art Collection, the exhibition reaches from the west coast to Albany and across the interior, through fascinating drawings, prints and watercolours featuring landscapes, people, flora and fauna.

"Visitors will marvel at familiar sites including views of Mount Eliza, Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and Heirisson Island from times long past."

Highlights of the exhibition include the display of many of the gallery's colonial works on paper, brought together for the first time since 1979.

"People will be prompted to ask questions about WA's heritage, examine social, political and environmental changes, and consider the role of art in what were often challenging colonial times," the Minister said.

"The opening of Unknown Land is timely, as WA prepares to mark the 400th anniversary of the first recorded European landing on the Western Australian coastline."

On October 25, 1616, Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog, sailing in the Eendracht, dropped anchor at Cape Inscription in Shark Bay.  A special commemoration event will be held next month as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Fact File

• A series of events are being held to support the Unknown Land exhibition, beginning with a curator tour at 11am on Sunday, September 18 
• The exhibition will also be linked with new dining and art experiences at Arthouse Dine and children's school holiday activities in conjunction with the AWESOME Festival
• The ticketed exhibition runs until January 30, 2017
• Adult entry costs $12, concession/student $8, children five-17 $5, under five free
• For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.artgallery.wa.gov.au