Unique perspectives through West Aussie eyes

For over thirty years, Yallingup Galleries, the region’s most established exhibition space, has drawn art lovers from around the globe to its picturesque bush setting.

Recognised for showcasing renowned Australian artists and exhibiting a stunning array of fine arts and furniture, the Gallery’s artistic journey continues to flourish under Emma and Matthew Skinner, who gained ownership in 2022 after falling in love with the south west during an eight-month adventure across Australia.

Their fresh vision has created an immersive art experience. Visitors can wander the ‘Sculpture Trail’ through native bushland or enjoy local wines at the Vallée du Venom cellar door, surrounded by exquisite art.

This April, the Gallery presents two extraordinary exhibitions celebrating Western Australia’s diverse artistic talent. The first features the unique and dynamic creative contrast between mother-son artists Ingrid and Josh Windram.

The second highlights the evocative works of distinguished artists Larry Mitchell, Brendon Darby, and Shannah Mitchell, who capture the West Australian landscape’s emotional depth and natural beauty through their distinctive interpretations.

INGRID AND JOSH WINDRAM: A FAMILY’S ARTISTIC JOURNEY

Exhibition – April 5th – 13th

This exhibition, opening on April 5th, showcases the striking contrast between Ingrid’s masterful landscapes and Josh’s contemporary abstracts.

Ingrid’s work draws from her deep connection to the Kimberley region, where she spent two decades immersed in its dramatic landscapes.

“Nature provides endless inspiration for me,” Ingrid shared. “It’s a continuous desire to seek the light and magic of an area, to create paintings that capture the essence of the landscape.”

Now based in Vasse, she finds fresh motivation in the softer, peaceful surroundings of the south west.

For her son Josh, art represents both heritage and healing. Growing up surrounded by creativity, he initially honed his skills in picture framing before finding his own artistic voice. His journey took a profound turn when he reconnected with his family in 2016 after overcoming significant life and health hurdles.

He began channelling his experiences into expressive abstract pieces that quickly garnered recognition, including the People’s Choice Award at the Bunbury Catholic College Art Extraordinaire.

“My work reflects the expansive beauty found in the Western Australian landscape, captured through an intuitive and abstracted approach,” Josh explained. “Each piece emerges from instinct rather than a predetermined plan, allowing the paintings to take their own form.”

LARRY MITCHELL, BRENDON DARBY & SHANNAH MITCHELL: THREE PERSPECTIVES

Exhibition April 19th – 27th

Opening April 19th, the iconic Easter exhibition highlights the beauty, fragility, and emotional complexity of the West Australian environment through the eyes of three uniquely talented painters.

Larry Mitchell’s large-scale realism documents vulnerable ecosystems and cultures through his One Degree Centigrade Project.

Visually capturing climate change and globalisation through breathtaking scenes, Larry’s paintings create a profound sense of admiration and urgency – capturing what exists and what may be lost.

Multi-disciplinary artist and musician-turned-painter Brendon Darby offers a unique perspective on abstraction. His emotive landscapes emerge from a lifetime of exploration and a deep connection to the Australian bush.

In 2007, Brendon’s groundbreaking project Listening to Paintings – Australia was exhibited at New York’s American Museum of Natural History as part of G’Day USA, raising over $1 million for environmental causes.

Through his art, Brendon shares an intimate visual and emotional response to the natural world, urging viewers to see and truly feel the landscape.

“I’ve always been attracted to abstraction,” Brendon noted. “One night, watching rain falling on a car window, I saw how weather could abstract a cityscape. I’ve used that ‘Representational’ abstraction view ever since, sometimes producing my own rain.”

Shannah Mitchell completes this artistic trilogy.

Her loose, impressionistic style carries the family’s creative legacy while establishing her distinctive voice.

Based in Coogee, she captures fleeting moments of light and colour in coastal and urban landscapes with expressive and atmospheric genius – producing works that invite viewers to see the beauty in everyday surroundings.

Gallery co-owner Emma Skinner, an international award-winning artist, sees these exhibitions as perfect examples of the region’s artistic depth.

“We’re thrilled to build upon the rich legacy of Yallingup Galleries and create a dynamic space where art and community intersect,” said Emma Skinner.

“Our goal is to make art accessible to everyone while showcasing this region’s incredible talent.”

This philosophy of bringing people closer to the heart of art bridges between these featured exhibitions, as Sam Broadhurst hosts live painting demonstrations as part of his Spotlight Series.

On Saturday, April 12th, and Sunday, April 13th, Sam’s works will be displayed in the gallery’s gazebo area from 10 AM to 4 PM daily, offering guests a chance to explore his collection and witness his creative process during live demonstrations throughout the day.

For art lovers and those seeking inspiration, these exhibitions provide an opportunity to appreciate Western Australia’s natural beauty through distinctly different artistic lenses.

The Gallery’s bush setting creates the perfect backdrop for experiencing these powerful expressions of our extraordinary landscape.

Both exhibitions welcome visitors daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with opening nights featuring Vallée du Venom wines and gourmet nibbles.

The Windram exhibition opens Saturday, April 5th, at 5 pm, followed by the Mitchell’s and Darby showcase on Saturday, April 19th.

Exclusive early viewing is available upon request. Contact the Gallery at contact@yallingupgalleries.com.au.