Artist demonstrates deep connection to Country

Renowned Indigenous artist Yondee Shane Hansen is preparing to bring his remarkable body of work to the Yallingup Aboriginal Art Gallery, offering a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of contemporary Aboriginal art in an exciting new exhibition.

Opening April 12, the collection promises to take visitors on a journey through Hansen’s unique creative lens, blending traditional Indigenous motifs with modern interpretations and bold narratives.

Born in Dumbleyung, Yondee’s journey as an artist began as a 10-year-old boy growing up around Narrogin and later on the outskirts of Perth.

Taught first by his father, then by his aunties when he visited them on the Swan River, he used charcoal from the fire to draw kangaroos and emus on paper bark and fallen logs.

Staying true to his unique style, he blends the more traditional Noongar line art with his contemporary interpretation.

Yondee’s confident use of bold colours is particularly evident in his Noongar six seasons artwork.

Using colour to represent each season, Yondee paints the seasons using the woolly bush branches while holding a smoking ceremony to bless the works.

He considers himself a saltwater and freshwater man, collecting sand from creeks, washing it and mixing it with paint.

His subtle sand paintings are all about simplicity, depicting movement and light.

To this day, the artist loves to paint in black and white, paying tribute to his early creative steps.

“What’s so special about Yondee is his ability to use a multitude of techniques in his works,” Gallery Director Sara Greay said. “The diversity in his artworks means he appeals to so many.”

Greay said Yondee was one of the gallery’s best selling artists.

“Our visitors love hearing about Yondee’s deep connection to country and his story as he grew into the accomplished artist he is today,” she said.

“It always impresses the crowds when we tell them Yondee has 28 grandchildren.

“His spirituality and calm nature are evident in his body and work. We’re very excited to host our first exhibition of the year showcasing Yondee’s dreamtime stories.

“It should be a beautiful night of art and culture. We’re delighted to be pouring wines by our neighbours Jilyara and have gourmet nibbles by the Art of Grazing.”

The exhibition opens at Yallingup Aboriginal Art, 3057 Caves Road Yallingup (the entrance to Yallingup Maze) on April 12.

Exhibition works can be previewed online at yallingupaboriginalart.com.au.