Perth Voice Interactive

WITH less than four per cent of Perth city council’s substantial art collection consisting of work by Aboriginal artists, the council’s looking to pick up a piece by Ben Pushman.

In a report to councillors, staff concede “there remains considerable room for development” in adding to the city’s 17 Aboriginal works.

Pushman’s Washed Out “refers to an experience of being a Noongar person growing up in the urban environment of Perth,” staff write in a 13-point summary required to meet acquisition criteria.

Anna Kanaris, who runs Artitja Gallery specialising in indigenous art, says it would be good to see more Aboriginal works but notes, “it seems that public collections are a reflection of art trends in the wider community”.

“Although many collectors and members of the general public hold indigenous art, it still represents a small percentage of total art sales in Australia.

“Australian indigenous art is a niche market and it will take time and an improved economy before it becomes more widely represented and included as a major part of a collection.”

An image of the work was considered “confidential” and stricken from the council agenda. So we googled it and found it on Mossenson Galleries’ website in about four seconds.

by DAVID BELL