James Makin Gallery is pleased to present 6 artists from Spinifex Hill Studio, one of the youngest collective of Indigenous artists, based in South Hedland, a coastal area of the Pilbara. The centre represents Aboriginal artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and language groups and supports an eclectic range of painting practices in recognition of the diversity of Indigenous experience. This unique centre is a safe, holistic environment for artists, and has grown to become an important cultural and community place. Spinifex Hill Studio has grown into more than just a studio; it is a political space, a social meeting space and a gathering space for artists to continue their culture, storytelling and law-making.

This exhibition brings together works by key artists from Spinifex Hill Studio: Nyaparu (William) Gardiner, Doreen Chapman, Mulyatingki (Muljadingi) Marney, Maywokka (Mayiwalku) Chapman, Nyanjilpayi (Nancy) Chapman and Gloria. The works presented in this exhibition speak to the importance of the familial lineages of art making as an expression – and moreover, a creation of – culture, history, connection and identity. It pays earnest due diligence to the cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors and leaders of the communities from which these artists are from.