This edition we feature the relaunch of the Art Gallery of WA after an 18 month wait on its refit, and the result is well worth waiting for. Western Australians now have a magical new Rooftop to visit and enjoy, replete with sculpture garden, bar and a newly refurbished gallery space. The highlight of the new AGWA Rooftop is Targets by Aboriginal artist Christopher Pease, a 34-metre artwork wrapped around the central building. Lit by LED lights in perforated patterns to reference traditional Noongar body paint, the work, and the Rooftop, is a not to be missed night experience. 

And there’s more – windows have been installed in galleries looking out to the city, in keeping with the architect’s original intention, and there is a new, gleaming,

foyer entrance. And then there’s the feast of Western Australian art. Gallery staff have not been idle during the past 18 months, with exhibitions featuring 230 artists, 361 artworks and 111 new commissions.

Laetitia Wilson visited Sky Cave by Amy Perejuan-Capone at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, a fascinating documentation and interpretation of the hang gliding adventures of her family.

Ted Snell reveals the new iteration of Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery’s HERE&NOW annual exhibitions, its name morphed into HERENOW, and moved to Edith Cowan University’s There Is gallery in Northbridge. The exhibitions provide valuable experience for young curators, while supporting their creative milieu.

Annette Peterson reviews the film The Lost Leonardo, revealing the fast paced journey to authenticate the painting Salvator Mundi, and we cover the fascinating 2022 lecture series by Perth’s Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies.              

Lyn Di Ciero, Editor