The Paradisiacal World of Janet Dreamer - Peninsula exhibition

Peninsula exhibition to launch national tour of late Kimberley artist

An exhibition from the estate of East Kimberley painter Janet Dreamer (1959-2021) is launching a national exhibition program of the late artist's paintings by Everywhen Art. Known affectionately as ‘Dreamer’, Janet Dreamer's brilliantly coloured works bring to life the flora, wildlife and water life of her Kimberley birthplace: old Flora Valley Station; the lush oasis of nearby Palm Springs; and the abundant wildlife, plants and cultural significance of many places she travelled on journeys she called 'walkabout'.

Although Dreamer started painting at 16 under her father's tutelage, it was only several decades later – after she joined Yarliyil Arts at Halls Creek in 2013 – that she started painting in earnest and with her own vision.

And what a vision it was. Her vibrantly coloured canvases with their free imagery and sizzling hues depict extraordinary and often hidden vistas of Jaru Country, from its coastal Derby region to inland reaches around Halls Creek.

At Yarliyil Arts, Dreamer was an artistic dynamo as she painted ceaselessly for hours on end. Her joyous works of boundless, raw energy are characterised by strong colouration and unique figuration. In their depictions of now rare wildlife, and ceremonial iconography, many works are also of profound cultural significance.

A finalist in posthumous tribute in Perth's John Stringer Prize 2022, Dreamer's work is in the collection of the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Sadly, however, Dreamer died in 2021, not affording her work full exhibition exposure.

Everywhen Art, in association with Dreamer's art centre Yarliyil Arts, is now organising exhibitions with partner galleries in Freemantle, Sydney and Melbourne to accord this unique artist and her extraordinary paintings the recognition she and her work so richly deserve.

The exhibition will be opened by long-term Kimberley art centre manager Kevin Kelly in conversation with gallery co director Susan McCulloch OAM at 2pm on Saturday, February 8. This is a free event, and you can book at info@everywhenart.com.au or phone: 03 5931 0318