Michelle Adams' Artistic Journey from Yindjibarndi Roots to Revealed Exhibition
Artist Michelle Adams cherishes vivid memories of her late mother, Eve, who spent weeks painting narratives from their Yindjibarndi culture, instilling a deep sense of identity and community knowledge. Born and raised in Roebourne, Adams recalls her mother as a natural-born artist and one of the first teacher assistants at Roebourne Primary School in the 1970s, educating her and many other children.
"She taught me, along with a whole generation of kids," Adams shares. "Some of the artists painting today, including other women I grew up with, were all taught by my mum."
Influences of Art and Social Justice
Both Eve and her aunty Mavis Pat—whose son John Pat's death in custody sparked the landmark Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody—nurtured Adams' love for art and passion for social justice. This initially led her to pursue a law degree before she redirected her focus to the creative arts.
Adams has collaborated extensively with communities, elders, and the arts organisation Big hART on projects like Punkaliyarra, co-created with Yindjibarndi elders and senior women, and presented at Sydney Opera House and Perth Festival 2023.
Transition to Visual Arts and Yinjaa-Barni Collective
Recently, Adams transitioned to visual arts, joining the Yinjaa-Barni Art collective, where she explores painting as a means to connect with elder teachings. She emphasizes that art transcends decoration, embodying emotion, stories, and survival.
"I chose Yinjaa-Barni Art collective because it means 'together we are one,'" Adams explains. "We paint as a family, offering safety and valuing curiosity in all art forms."
Installation Art and Revealed Exhibition Debut
Adams' exploration extends to installation art with Millstream Homestead? My Yindjibarndi Country 2025, a piece crafted from paperbark and found objects that honors her grandmother. This work is featured in the Revealed: New and Emerging WA Aboriginal Artists exhibition at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), running from April 18 to June 14.
The exhibition, curated by Zali Morgan, showcases over 180 works from 101 artists, making it Western Australia's largest celebration of Aboriginal art. It is delivered under the custodianship of the Aboriginal Art Centre Hub Western Australia (AACHWA).
Artistic Narrative and Social Impact
At 55, Adams makes her Revealed debut, weaving narratives through her installation. "My installation speaks to my grandmother, who was born on country and worked during the assimilation era," she says. "As an Aboriginal woman, she taught me about Yindjibarndi identity and belonging."
Adams highlights the matriarchal nature of her culture and the economic challenges faced by Aboriginal women. "Investing in an Aboriginal woman's art allows her to reinvest in her family and community, which is huge," she adds.
Supporting Artists and Communities
AACHWA chief executive Chad Creighton notes that Revealed provides significant exposure and income opportunities for artists, especially amid challenges like the fuel crisis affecting regional travel. "Revealed offers a platform for audiences to meet artists, hear stories, and purchase authentic works directly," Creighton states.
The exhibition is accompanied by the Revealed Art Market at WA Museum Boola Bardip on April 18, with all proceeds supporting artists and communities across Western Australia.
In addition to Revealed, PICA hosts another new exhibition, All That Country Holds, further enriching the cultural landscape.
