Artists relish flying the flag for WA's biggest remote community
Artists from Western Australia's largest remote community are increasingly securing their own unique place in the state's vibrant northern arts scene.
Bidyadanga, about 2,000 kilometres north of Perth, is home to about 850 people.
Its unique location between the red dirt of the West Kimberley and clear blue water of the Indian Ocean gives the community's artists a unique perspective.
Bidyadanga, about 180 kilometres south of Broome, is home to 850 people. (ABC Kimberley: Andrew Seabourne)
Jenny Butt was painting long before the community's award-winning arts centre opened its doors.
She said Bidyadanga's artistic reputation continued to grow in scale and reach.
"It's been touching; painting, representing your identity with your family's connection to country," she said.
"And inspiring for us too, as we think of back where we've been.
"We grew up near the coast [and have] lived in the desert with family, so we've got two connections."
Jenny Butt makes a sale on opening night. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
Butt said it was particularly heartening to see the next generation of young artists getting involved.
The work highlights the connection of different cultures and everything that made Bidyadanga what it is, according to artist Marika Jadai.
The centre hosts an exhibition in Broome twice a year, giving locals the opportunity to buy artworks direct from the artists themselves.
The artists keep part of the proceeds, while the arts centre also directs some of their take back into the Bidyadanga community.
Sifting through the reams of artwork at Redbill Studio Gallery. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
Behind the scenes, the process of hauling the reams of pieces from Bidyadanga to Broome is no small feat, especially in stifling summer weather.
In the days leading up to the show, artists and staff began cataloguing and listing the pieces, ready to be rolled, packed up and driven to Broome.
Augustine Bada has taken up a position working at the art centre and helps to coordinate the showcase.
Augustine Bada says he was proud to have the pieces on display. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
Mr Bada said he was excited about what next year would bring, with high hopes for the studio.
"It makes me feel proud to see everyone's hard work, the paintings and dedication to their artwork, being showcased in the studio,"
he said.
"It's really important here, because by doing art, we're sharing stories, passing down knowledge and painting country as well."
Jenny Butt says Bidyadanga artists have the rare opportunity to represent both the ocean and desert in their work. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
'Reminds us of time here'
The opening night of the show, at Broome's Redbill Studio Gallery, attracted a crowd of hundreds.
Attendees sifted through the vast quantity of paintings on display from more than 80 Bidyadanga artists.
Daisy (far right) says the work she buys will remind her of her time in the Kimberley. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler )
"We're probably moving on soon, so we really wanted something that captured the earthy colours and reminded us of our time up here," shopper Daisy said.
"I work out in Bidgy as well; I know a lot of these artists, so it feels really special."
Redbill Studio Gallery has hosted the Bidyadanga artists twice a year for the past four years. (ABC Kimberley: Ruby Littler)
Redbill Studio Gallery co-owner Melissa Foster said the connection with the remote community and hosting their art shows in Broome came about through "word of mouth".
"It's great for them to have a platform in Broome. They have a lovely following of community," she said.
"We definitely get a lot of good feedback. We always have people come up and ask when the next Bidgy sale is."
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