Exhibitions Open to the Public
Once Known
Opened for the first time at the Old Perth Boys’ School, Once Known, presents a selection of meticulous reproductions of the delicate and treasured artworks created by Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families and detained at the Carrolup Native Settlement in the 1940s.
James Tylor: Turrangka… in the shadows
Kaurna artist James Tylor bridges historical and contemporary photographic process, sculpture and found objects as a language of intervention.
Nan Goldin: The ballad of sexual dependency
This ground-breaking series of 126 brilliant colour photographs is touring to JCG exclusively within Western Australia.
Mamang-miyel-ang Djinang / Seeing with the whale’s eye
An exhibition of illustrations from the Wirlomin Noongar Language and Stories mob from the South Coast of Western Australia
Upcoming Events
A Together Story: Ripples
Join us for A Together Story event at 139 St Georges Terrace, with Ezzard Flowers and Phoebe Milne
July School Holiday Workshop: Photo Montage
Join us for a July School Holiday workshop about Photo Montaging with Neeti Sethi
NAIDOC Week Lunchtime Talk with Kim Scott
Join us for a Lunchtime Talk during NAIDOC Week 2025, with Curtin Distinguished Professor Kim Scott
A Together Story Panel: The Next Generation – Strength, Vision and Legacy
Join us for A Together Story event at 139 St Georges Terrace, with Dr Jessyca Hutchens, Brett Nannup, Candice Nannup, and Tyrown Waigana
July School Holiday Workshop: Layering and Landscapes
Join us for a July School Holiday workshop about Layering and Landscapes with Emma Jolley
Upcoming Exhibitions
Fantastic Forms
A touring exhibition from the Bundanon Collection, in dialogue with new drawings, ceramics, sculptures and animation.
Dirt Feeling
Featuring ceramics works from the Curtin University Art Collection
Everyday, Myths and Legends
An exhibition of works from the Curtin University Art Collection that explore everyday mythmaking.
Find us on Instagram
This NAIDOC Week John Curtin Gallery invites you to a series of free artistic story-telling activities in celebration of 50 years, honoring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience.
SWIPE to find out more! ➡️
Register for tickets via the link in our bio 🔗
Join Professor Kim Scott, award-winning author, as he reads from a selection of his novels and discusses their relationship with the exhibition ‘Mamang-miyel-ang Djinang / Seeing with the whale’s eye’. 📚
Our truth-telling A Together Story series continues, set against the backdrop of the Once Known exhibition, join these discussions for a deeper understanding into this incredible exhibition. 💭
Led by John Curtin Gallery Staff the Once Known Guided Tours will take you through the Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup artworks, offering a deeper insight into historical truths and the story of the Carrolup artworks. 🤝
#naidoc #naidocweek #johncurtingallery #curtinuniversity
Don’t miss A Together Story: Ripples next Monday July 7! 🤝
Let Goreng Noongar Maaman (Man) and Elder Ezzard Flowers and PhD Candidate, Curtin University @phoebemilne.art take you on a journey to the USA to uncover the story behind the rediscovery of the Carrolup Artworks.
📆 - Mon Jul 7, 12pm - 1pm, Old Perth Boys` School, light refreshments provided!
Make these stories a part of your story.
Head to the link in our bio to register and find out more 🔗👀
Once Known exhibition hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am–4pm
Old Perth Boys` School, Curtin 139 St Georges Tce, Perth
Proudly supported by: @bfplperth @lotterywest @inside_bhp
@colgateuniversity and #navigators #johncurtingallery
Join us next Sunday July 6 for an artist talk with James Tylor and Curator Leigh Robb as they discuss their exhibition Turrangka…in the shadows! 👏
This unmissable conversation will offer insight into Tylor’s art practice and the collaborative curatorial process behind the exhibition. 💭
🗓️ - Sun, July 6, 12.30pm - 1.30pm, John Curtin Gallery Bentley WA, Australia.
🔗 Head to the link in our bio to register!
James Tylor – Turrangka...In the shadows is a UNSW Galleries exhibition. This exhibition is made possible through the support of Lotterywest, Lendlease and The Navigators.
@unswgalleries @nationalgalleryaus @curtinuniversity @curtin_news @curtinbfagrads
#NanGoldin #ArtAcrossAustralia #art #photography #firstnationsart #JamesTylor #Turrangkaintheshadows #johncurtingallery #photoraphy #curtinuniversity
Ready for our exhibition launch? Why not pair it with a special Curator Tour from National Gallery Australia Curator of Photography Anne O`Hehir! 🙌
To coincide with the July 4 launch of Nan Goldin: The ballad of sexual dependency, Curator Anne O`Hehir will take you on a guided tour through the ground-breaking series of 126 brilliant colour photographs, that explore Nan`s community.
🗓️ - Friday July 4, 12.30pm - 1.30pm, John Curtin Gallery Bentley WA, Australia.
🔗 Head to the link in our bio to register!
Viewer Advice: The photographs in Nan Goldin’s The ballad of sexual dependency depict the everyday lives, often in intimate detail, of people in Goldin’s immediate community during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
15+ Content Warning: Please be advised that works of art in the exhibition depict explicit nudity, sexual acts, drug use, and the impacts of violence against women. Viewer discretion is advised under the age of 15.
@nationalgalleryaus @curtinuniversity @curtin_news @curtinbfagrads
#NanGoldin #ArtAcrossAustralia #art #photography #johncurtingallery
🗓️ Coming July 4! Nan Goldin: The ballad of sexual dependency and James Tylor: Turrangka … in the shadows.
We`re excited to announce two major photography exhibitions that explore the expressive epoch of influential photographers Nan Goldin and James Tylor. 📸
Head to the link in our bio to find out more 🔗👀
Nan Goldin: The ballad of sexual dependency is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition presented as part of the Bowness Family Foundation Photography Touring Program.
James Tylor – Turrangka...In the shadows is a UNSW Galleries exhibition. This exhibition is made possible through the support of Lotterywest, Lendlease and The Navigators.
@unswgalleries @nationalgalleryaus @curtinuniversity @curtin_news @curtinbfagrads
#NanGoldin #ArtAcrossAustralia #art #photography #firstnationsart #JamesTylor #Turrangkaintheshadows #johncurtingallery #photoraphy #curtinuniversity
📷 Credit: Nan Goldin,Cookie at Tin Pan Alley, New York City, 1983, 1983, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2021 in celebration of the National Gallery of Australia`s 40th anniversary, 2022 © Nan Goldin / James Tylor, Turrangka… in the shadows, installation view. UNSW Galleries, Sydney. Photo by Jacquie Manning.
Don’t miss A Together Story: Hope next Friday June 27 🤝
This is more than just a talk! Artist, Cultural Advisor and Noongar Maaman (Man) Brett Nannup and John Curtin Gallery Administrative Coordinator Patti Belletty, will explore the children of Carrolup`s artistic expression and what their art meant to them.
📆 - Fri, 27 Jun, 12pm - 1pm, Old Perth Boys` School, light refreshments provided!
Make these stories a part of your story.
Head to the link in our bio to register and find out more 🔗👀
Once Known exhibition hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am–4pm
Old Perth Boys` School, Curtin 139 St Georges Tce, Perth
Proudly supported by: @bfplperth @lotterywest @inside_bhp
@colgateuniversity and #navigators
📷 - Once known child artist, Untitled, 1946-50, pastel on paper. 16.8 x 26.5 cm. Curtin University Art Collection. The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artwork was donated for educational and research purposes by Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, USA in 2013.(detail).
#johncurtingallery #truthtelling #carrolup
🤝 A Together Story: Advocacy
20 June Fri, 12-1pm
Join Michelle Broun, Yindjibarndi woman, Independent Curator, Creative Producer and Researcher, and Lisa Liebetrau, Carrolup Collections Officer, JCG as they discuss the role of Florence Rutter as a champion of the Carrolup children and her role in exhibiting the artworks in the United Kingdom.
Facilitator: Ron Bradfield Jnr, a Bardi, Jawi Aamba (Man) and Community Cultural Advisor for John Curtin Gallery
Light refreshments provided.
🤝 A Together Story Event Series are truth-telling discussions with Stolen Generations community members, Carrolup survivors, and allies who have become part of these living stories.
Future Events
20 June (Fri), 12-1pm: Advocacy with Michelle Broun and Lisa Liebetrau
26 June (Fri), 12-1pm: Hope with Brett Nannup and Patti Belletty
7 July (Mon), 12-1pm: Ripples with Ezzard Flowers and Phoebe Milne
The Next Generation – Panel Discussion 11 July (Fri), 12-1pm: Strength, Vision & Legacy with Dr Jessyca Hutchens, Brett Nannup, Candice Nannup and Tyrown Waigana
✨Make these stories a part of your story.
To register and for more info: www.curtin.edu.au/jcg/exhibitions/carrolup-once-known/ or LINK in BIO
Exhibition Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am–4pm
Old Perth Boys` School, Curtin 139 St Georges Tce, Perth
Proudly supported by: @bfplperth @lotterywest @inside_bhp @colgateuniversity and #navigators
🤝 A Together Story: A Beginning
13 June Fri, 12-1pm
Join Aunty Dot Bagshaw, Noongar Yorga (Woman), Elder and Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling Advisory Member for JCG, and Chris Malcolm, Curator of `Once Known` as they discuss Carrolup child artist Parnell Dempster and the role he played in beginning drawing, his life and legacy.
Facilitator: Ron Bradfield Jnr, a Bardi, Jawi Aamba (Man) and Community Cultural Advisor for John Curtin Gallery
Light refreshments provided.
🤝 A Together Story Event Series are truth-telling discussions with Stolen Generations community members, Carrolup survivors, and allies who have become part of these living stories.
Future Events
20 June (Fri), 12-1pm: Advocacy with Michelle Broun and Lisa Liebetrau
26 June (Fri), 12-1pm: Hope with Brett Nannup and Patti Belletty
7 July (Mon), 12-1pm: Ripples with Ezzard Flowers and Phoebe Milne
The Next Generation – Panel Discussion 11 July (Fri), 12-1pm: Strength, Vision & Legacy with Dr Jessyca Hutchens, Brett Nannup, Candice Nannup and Tyrown Waigana
✨Make these stories a part of your story.
To register and for more info: www.curtin.edu.au/jcg/exhibitions/carrolup-once-known/ or LINK in BIO
Exhibition Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am–4pm
Old Perth Boys` School, Curtin 139 St Georges Tce, Perth
Proudly supported by: @bfplperth @lotterywest @inside_bhp @colgateuniversity and #navigators
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our Reconciliation Week student talk as part of the Bridging to Next: Truth and Reclamation exhibition. Your presence, reflections, and conversations made the event truly meaningful.
Together, we continue the journey of truth-telling, learning, and reconciliation. 🖤💛❤️
Thanks to the students, Phoebe Campbell, Yasmin Gane, Di-Andra Holt, Angus Bowskill and Leza Howie, who were guided by Bardi, Jawi Aamba (Man) Ron Bradfield Jnr.
Exhibition continues until Friday June 6
📍 John Curtin Gallery
📅 26 May – 6 June 2025
🕙 Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm
@leza_howie @yasmingane @phoeberose_campbell @angusbowskill @diandra.holt @ronbjnr
@curtinbfagrads @curtinalumni @curtinuniversity
#ReconciliationWeek #BridgingToNext #TruthAndReclamation #StudentVoices #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #curtinartcollection
🤝 A Together Story: Compassion
6 June Fri, 12-1pm
Join Chris Malcolm, Curator of Once Known, and Dr Neeti Sethi, Gallery Education Coordinator, JCG as they discuss Carrolup teachers Noel and Lily White and their role in championing the children, the power of art, reconciliation, and how people can play active roles in today’s world.
Facilitated by Ron Bradfield Jnr, a Bardi, Jawi Aamba (Man) and Community Cultural Advisor for John Curtin Gallery
Light refreshments provided.
🤝 A Together Story Event Series are truth-telling discussions with Stolen Generations community members, Carrolup survivors, and allies who have become part of these living stories.
Future Events
13 June (Fri), 12-1pm: A Beginning with Aunty Dot Bagshaw and Chris Malcolm
20 June (Fri), 12-1pm: Advocacy with Michelle Broun and Lisa Liebetrau
26 June (Fri), 12-1pm: Hope with Brett Nannup and Patti Belletty
7 July (Mon), 12-1pm: Ripples with Ezzard Flowers and Phoebe Milne
The Next Generation – Panel Discussion 11 July (Fri), 12-1pm: Strength, Vision & Legacy with Dr Jessyca Hutchens, Brett Nannup, Candice Nannup and Tyrown Waigana
✨Make these stories a part of your story.
To register and for more info: www.curtin.edu.au/jcg/exhibitions/carrolup-once-known/ or LINK in BIO
Exhibition Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am–4pm
Old Perth Boys` School, Curtin 139 St Georges Tce, Perth
Proudly supported by: @bfplperth @lotterywest @inside_bhp @colgateuniversity and #navigators
📸
`Once Known`: A Truth-Telling Exhibition
From the Stolen Children of Carrolup
Their stories from Country, from a time when they were forcibly taken from their families and held at the Carrolup Native Settlement.
🤝 A Together Story Event Series Join us for truth-telling discussions with Stolen Generations community members, Carrolup survivors, and allies who have become part of these living stories.
30 May (Fri), 12-1pm: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow with Rachel and Jessica Fortune and Patricia Ryder
6 June (Fri), 12-1pm: Compassion with Chris Malcolm and Dr Neeti Sethi
13 June (Fri), 12-1pm: A Beginning with Aunty Dot Bagshaw and Chris Malcolm
20 June (Fri), 12-1pm: Advocacy with Michelle Broun and Lisa Liebetrau
26 June (Fri), 12-1pm: Hope with Brett Nannup and Patti Belletty
7 July (Mon), 12-1pm: Ripples with Ezzard Flowers and Phoebe Milne
The Next Generation – Panel Discussion 11 July (Fri), 12-1pm: Strength, Vision & Legacy with Dr Jessyca Hutchens, Brett Nannup, Candice Nannup and Tyrown Waigana
Facilitated by Ron Bradfield Jnr.
Make these stories a part of your story.
FREE EVENT - Places are limited please register, for more info: www.curtin.edu.au/jcg/exhibitions/carrolup-once-known/ or LINK in BIO
Exhibition Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11am–4pm
Location: Curtin 139 St Georges Tce, Perth
Proudly supported by: @bfplperth @lotterywest @inside_bhp @colgateuniversity and #navigators
📸 Susanna Castleden and Gary Ryder, photo by Marnie Richardson.
Installation view `Once Known`.
The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artwork was generously donated for educational and research purposes by Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, USA.
#NRW2025 #Reconciliation #BridgingNowtoNext #OnceKnown #NAIDOC #OldPerthBoysSchool #exhibition #StolenGeneration #Carrolup #CarrolupCentreForTruthTelling #CarrolupCentre #CarrolupArt #FirstNations #AboriginalArt #Noongar #Nyungar #Indigenous #Aboriginal #Heritage #Identity #Belonging #Colonisation #CurtinUniversity #WesternAustralia #JohnCurtinGallery #ColgateUniversity #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe
⭐️ Bridging to Next: Truth and Reclamation Exhibition
Drawing upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks within the Curtin University Art Collection, five third-year Curtin University Fine Art students have been invited to showcase artists that reflect this year’s Reconciliation theme, Bridging Now to Next.
Featuring ‘Larngerner (The Colour of Country)’ by Trawlwoolway artist and Curtin Alumni Julie Gough - this two-channel video work transforms archival fragments and colonial imagery into powerful indictments of historical erasure and control. Gough challenges the way First Nations people were historically dehumanised and classified, offering a powerful counter-narrative grounded in cultural identity and connection to Country.
📍 John Curtin Gallery
📅 26 May – 6 June 2025
🕙 Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm
👉 Lunchtime Student Talk: Thurs 29 May, 12–1pm
@leza_howie @yasmingane @phoeberose_campbell @angusbowskill @diandra.holt @ronbjnr
@curtinbfagrads @curtinalumni @curtinuniversity #NRWK2025 #artcollection #ReconciliationWeek #CurtinArt #JulieGough #IndigenousArt #TruthTelling #bridgingnowtonext
📸 Julie Gough, Larngerner (The Colour of Country), 2018, video stills. Curtin University Art Collection. Purchased with funds donated through Curtin Foundation, 50fifty Acquisition Initiative, 2019
Locations
John Curtin Gallery Curtin University
Building 200A Curtin University, Kent Street
Bentley, Western Australia 6102
Phone: 08 9266 4155
JCG is currently closed while we install the next exhibitions.
Kattidj Nagãr is open by appointment during May and June 2025
Once Known – A Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling exhibition
Presented at the Old Perth Boys’ School
Curtin 139 St Georges Terrace,
Perth, Western Australia 6000
11:00am – 4:00pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (closed Wednesdays and Weekends)
