New gallery brings art ‘From Country’ to the CBD
Nestled in a corner of Topham Mall stands a striking outlier among the coffee places and office spaces that define the thoroughfare.
From Country is the Adelaide CBD’s latest arts retail and gallery concept, offering a rich collection of unique artworks, prints and giftware crafted by Aboriginal artists.
Gallery owner Rowena Brown has brought “just a bite” out of her comprehensive collection of Aboriginal artworks to this latest space, after the success of her Glenelg Art Gallery (which recently relocated to Sussex Street, just off Jetty Road).
While the gallery’s exterior gives passersby a taste of the range of vibrant, meaningful artworks within, the true energy of the collection is only felt inside the intimate exhibition space.
With the support of Renew Adelaide, From Country has made a permanent home out of the Topham Mall storefront, intending to bring culture and different styles of décor to the people in the office buildings surrounding the thoroughfare.
Rowena Brown’s collection features over 200 Aboriginal artists.
Rowena, gallery manager Paul Shannon, and Anmatyerr and Arrente artist Rhubee Neale, tell CityMag what they hope Adelaidians will find in their space.
“It’s about bringing [Aboriginal art] out, it’s about educating, sharing with people that it exists, and then talking with them about how it can integrate into their own homes, you know. Something that’s really peaceful, that might be representing, the women out collecting wild onions,” Rowena says, pointing to a mesmerising Teresa Armstrong Ngala piece on the wall.
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“So, knowing the story behind it – that might be in the kitchen/dining room, but it just adds that peaceful grounding to the décor.”
Paul agrees, describing the effect the work has on him.
“To me, all this art carries massive significance, and you can feel it in the room, you know? And it’s not overpowering, no, it’s actually a real warmth that I get from it,” he says.
Featured artist and 2024 South Australian NAIDOC Creative Artist of the Year, Rhubee, reflects upon the significant role of Aboriginal artworks as a portal into First Nations people, cultures and stories.
“You might see a picture, but it’s more than that – it’s the story of who we are, and our connection to Country. Below the Earth, above the Earth and everything within it – it’s a oneness,” she says.
“All my life since I was little, all I wanted was to be seen, as an Aboriginal person, and respected, and heard, and my culture to be valued as the same for people in universities and everywhere else. I always wanted that.
“This little spot here has given people the opportunity to come in and learn more about the painting – but not just the painting – but about my people and the Country that they live on.
“Country that’s theirs as well now, their home. So, it’s bringing us together as a nation.”
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This contemporary piece of Rhubee’s titled ‘Many Mothers — Keeping Connection Strong’ represents her community coming together to look after a baby.
Rowena says her enduring mission of celebrating and platforming Aboriginal art and artefacts has consistently attracted the right people including artists like Rhubee, and allies like Paul.
“I don’t look for artists at all – they find me,” Rowena says.
“I just wandered in!” Rhubee agrees.
Rowena is proud to provide up-and-coming Aboriginal artists with a platform and a place to showcase their works and to also be able to provide a stable income stream for Aboriginal artists by acting as the bridge between maker and market.
“It’s about supporting people, you know. If you support people, then everything else falls into place, is what we believe here,” she says.
Rowena says they recently started using licensed designs from artists on retail products that are for sale.
“That provides an ongoing royalty for life to the artist,” she says.
“That’s very important, is to create a reliable income stream to the artist.”
A sampling of Aboriginal artworks, printed on decorative pieces.
For Rhubee, painting is an instinctive and cathartic process – whatever comes to mind is what appears on the canvas. The ‘From Country’ team believes this intuition should also apply to potential buyers when selecting the right piece to add to their home or office.
“It’ll call you,” Rhubee says.
“Have an open mind, and listen to your heart and your instincts. As Rhubee says, it’ll sing to you,” says Rowena.
Find Country Gallery at 52-54 Waymouth Street in Topham Mall, at the end of the passageway accessible via Anster Street. It is open Monday-Friday, from 9:30am ’til 3:30pm.
The From Country website also features some of the artworks available for purchase.