Autumn news | April 2026
Autumn news | April 2026
Ruwi (Country) | Indigenous Paintings
I’m delighted our 4th show, Ruwi (Country), by Amanda Westley opens to the public at
11am on Thursday 23 April 2026.
Amanda is a former GOST stable member and in 2025, I felt it would be special to celebrate two anniversaries with her first solo exhibition in Canberra. I’ve known Amanda since she joined us back in April 2018. That’s 8 years of friendship and supporting each other in the art world. In addition, in May 2025, one of her artworks was purchased by the Australian Government from our gallery and gifted to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV by the Australian Prime Minister.
It felt perfect to time these milestones with a small, intimate body of work centered around Ruwi (Country). Amanda has a deep and personal connection to her country from her home in Victor Harbor in South Australia. I was lucky to meet Amanda back in June 2022. I remember leaving the green rolling hills of McLaren Valley to see the coastal waters of her hometown and realising how important it is to connect to land and sea. I thank Amanda for showing me a small part of her world.
The catalogue will go live in person and online at 11am.
Visit our exhibitions page, please remember to hit refresh so the ‘shop the exhibition now’ button can be activated. If you have any questions big or small please ask as I’ll be happy to help you at any stage of the purchasing process.
Amanda tells us more about the above artworks she has created for our gallery.
Top Left | Raukkan (meeting place) | This painting captures the colours, shapes and feeling of Country as I experience it when I visit Raukkan … layers of memory, connection and gathering. Top Right | Nanggi Oba Ruwi (sun kissed Country) | This piece reflects the warmth of Ngarrindjeri Country, the soft yellows and dry tones speak to dry grass, heat and open landscapes. Bottom left | Amanda visiting Raukkan - a real and powerful place once known as Point McLeay Mission, before being handed back to the Ngarrindjeri and rightfully renamed Raukkan. Bottom right | Thumelin Ruwi (green Country) detail | This piece represents Ngarrindjeri Country after rain, when Country comes alive with vibrant greens. The different shades are growth and renewal across Country and the life that water brings to Ngarrindjeri Ruwi. Main Image (top) | Pronkinyeri (spring) | The season of spring on Ngarrindjeri Ruwi, a time of growth and change. The soft pinks and sand tones reflect the colours of Country as it shifts.
Thanks | Melissa Hammond’s first solo show
Melissa and I are still in awe of the many visitors who came far and wide to visit her first solo exhibition in our gallery. It truly was a wonderful show with an outstanding result of 12 out of 15 paintings sold. As my husband says, ‘that’s 80% success rate’. I love that! It’s not always about a sell out but rather knowing each person who bought Melissa’s artwork found their own connection in why they wanted her oil pastel paintings in their home. I’m a firm believer the right person will find the right artwork.
You can view their catalogue here as the artworks below are available until 5pm, 4 May 2026.Please contact me if you have any questions.
Painting above the chimney tops on Rue du Calvaire, my eye was drawn to the Parisian sky as it moved between the softest tones of blue and grey. Even with a constant flow of people passing by, the city below still felt as peaceful as the sky. Photo by Hilary Wardhaugh.
On my last walk through the streets of Paris, I passed this post office that caught my eye. It had a mix of materials, from marble to mosaic, complete with the iconic bright yellow French letterboxes. Reflecting on my postcards and time in France, it felt like everything had come full circle.
Whilst following the tourist trail through Troyes, I came across a cute store filled with French artisans. It was full of colour - a contrast to the overcast day. I loved this felt ticket that translates to breakfast in bed beside the heart-detailed mug and plate, together telling a story of simple pleasures. Special credits which Melissa would like to mention: The shop is Le Local, the Felt ticket by Petigromo and Heart-detailed ceramics - Collaboration between Mernes Porcelaine and Charlie & June.
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