Once Known
Opened for the first time at the Old Perth Boys’ School, Once Known showcases reproductions of the fragile artworks created by Aboriginal children forcibly taken from their families and detained at the Carrolup Native Settlement in the 1940s.
This unique Collection of art was lost overseas for more than 50 years, these artworks returned home to Noongar Boodja in 2013, offering a powerful opportunity to share truth and learn about the lived experiences of these children. While hundreds of children were detained at Carrolup, only 17 of the artists have been attributed to works in the collection. Once Known reminds us that each child had a name, a family and a story. These works stand as a testament to the creativity and resilience of the Carrolup children, offering a glimpse into their enduring connection to Country.
Exhibition Details
4 Apr 2025 – 6 Mar 2026
11am – 4pm
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
Closed Wednesdays and Weekends
Free entry, open to the public
A Together Story
A Together Story is a series of talks set against the backdrop of the Once Known exhibition from Reconciliation Week to NAIDOC Week 2025. Hear the stories of the Carrolup child artists and the people who impacted them, through a series of discussions and truth-telling talks about the past, the present, and what’s next.
The series of conversations will introduce you to Stolen Generations community members, survivors of Carrolup, professional allies of these artworks, John Curtin Gallery staff who care for these artworks, and people who have become a living part of these stories themselves, through their own family connections. This series invites you to gain a deeper understanding and make the stories of these children part of your story.
This series is made possible by Brookfield Place and Lotterywest.
Series Details
Fridays from 30 May to 27 June
Monday 7 and Friday 7 July
12pm – 1pm
Free events, open to the public
Yesterday, today and tomorrow
With Rachel Fortune, descendent of Carrolup child artist Elizabeth Inditch and Patricia Ryder, Community Engagement Facilitator, JCG
Presenting the story of Aboriginal children forcibly taken from their families and detained at the Carrolup Native Settlement in the 1940s. The children created artworks that continues to speak for generations and can still speak to us today.
Compassion
With Chris Malcolm, Curator of Once Known, and Dr Neeti Sethi, Gallery Education Coordinator, JCG
Discussing 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.
A Beginning
With Chris Malcolm, Curator of Once Known, and Aunty Dot Bagshaw, Noongar Yorga (Woman), Elder and Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling Advisory Member for JCG
Discussing Carrolup child artist Parnell Dempster and the role he played in beginning drawing, his life and legacy.
Advocacy
With Michelle Broun, Yindjibarndi woman, Independent Curator, Creative Producer and Researcher, and Lisa Liebetrau, Carrolup Collections Officer, JCG
Exploring the role of Florence Rutter as a champion of the Carrolup children and her role in exhibiting the artworks in the United Kingdom.
Hope
With Brett Nannup, Noongar Maaman (Man), Artist and Independent Cultural Advisor, and Patti Belletty, Gallery Administrative Coordinator, JCG
Discussion about the children of Carrolup, what their art meant to them and the other children, how it developed, and finding an outlet to express who they are.
Ripples
With Ezzard Flowers, Goreng Noongar Maaman (Man) and Elder, Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling Advisory Member and Cultural Advisor, and Phoebe Milne, PhD Candidate, Curtin University
Discussing the chance rediscovery of the artworks in the United States and how the artworks were repatriated back to Noongar Boodja.
The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy
Panel Discussion with:
Dr Jessyca Hutchens, Palyka Woman, Co-Director Berndt Museum UWA, art historian, curator and writer
Brett Nannup, Noongar Maaman, artist and independent Cultural Advisor
Candice Nannup, Willman Ballardong Noongar Yorga (Woman), Noongar Country curator at Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, and
Tyrown Waigana, Wandandi Noongar and Ait Koedhol Man, multidisciplinary artist and graphic designer
Focusing on the next generation of Indigenous artists and the legacy of the Carrolup artworks.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware the exhibition and catalogue contains images, voices and names of people who have died. It also contains information that might be confronting and may cause distress.
More information about the Carrolup Centre for Truth-telling
Header Image: Once known child artist, The Kill, 1946-50, pastel and charcoal on paper. 27.9 x 38cm.
Carousel photos: Once Known exhibition opening. Courtesy of Marnie Richardson.
The Herbert Mayer Collection of Carrolup Artworks were generously donated for educational and research purposes by Colgate University, New York, USA to the Curtin University Art Collection, 2013.
