Kamela (22-968), Aaron Pei Pie, acrylic pigment on canvas, 76X101cm

Brunswick Street Gallery presents Aaron Pei Pie’s second solo exhibition, Animals in My Place. Aaron is an exciting emerging artist living in the remote Northern Territorian community of Kaltukatjara, also known as Docker River.

Animals in My Place chronicles the interwoven memories of Aaron Pei Pie’s life across three places of significance to him: Mutitjulu community at the base of Uluru (where he spent his childhood), Tjuninanta (his grandfather’s Country), and his current home of Docker River. Alongside his ubiquitous camels, Aaron’s art features local flora and fauna that have sparked joy and forged connections throughout his childhood and into his adult life.

Aaron’s work playfully melds the mystical with the everyday, creating a dreamlike quality that draws viewers into landscapes that are alive with memory. Camels–or Kamela in desert Kriol– take on special significance; not only did they delight Aaron when he was a boy, but he believes they serve a spiritual function, said to watch over the spirits of those who passed away in the bush. Today, Aaron still reverently welcomes them whenever they wander into Docker River, reflecting his enduring love for these animals and their place within his community, country, and spiritual beliefs.

Since commencing painting with Kaltukatjara Art Centre at its inception in 2016, Aaron has developed a distinct style of naive figuration depicting the animals and landscapes of the country surrounding Kaltukatjara community. As an emerging artist he has garnered increasing attention for his contemporary and unconventional style. In 2023 he won the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Art Prize.

Animals in My Place is presented by BSG Projects and Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Arts.

Featured image: Kamela (24-601), Aaron Pei Pie, acrylic pigment on canvas, 76X101cm

Opening event: Thursday 24 April, 6-8pm