Were These the Golden Years?
During the early 2000's Aboriginal art flourished. APY Land and Western Desert Art Centres opened and their work was enthusiastically received by gallerists and collectors. There was a real desire by the artists to tell their stories in a painting, at times using the work to describe their connection to country.
The Kimberley communities by 1990's, were producing work which was collected by institutions and collectors alike and their production continued apace in 2000's. Prices for Aboriginal art increased and by 2009 they peaked.
This exhibition looks back on the work that created the excitement. During the 2000's Santo Merenda was a keen collector of Aboriginal art, visiting communities and galleries all over the country purchasing art work. He eventually opened Merenda Gallery in Fremantle. Santo is now selling the family collection.