Ride On, Shine On Floor Talk

Join Professor John Carty, University of Adelaide’s Professor of Museum and Curatorial studies as he talks through the fourteen paintings on display as part of The South Australian Museum’s current exhibition “Ride On, Shine On: The East Kimberley Art Movement”.

This significant collection was created by founding artists from the Kimberley Ranges, about 3000 kilometres northeast of Perth. It represents the beginning of the contemporary East Kimberley Art Movement.

The works were acquired directly from the artists by schoolteacher Caitriona O’Brien when she was working in the small Kimberley community of Warmun. In 2019 Caitriona donated the paintings to Ink Pot Arts in the Adelaide Hills. Through the generous support of donors, the South Australian Museum was able to acquire this body of work from Ink Pot Arts. This is the first time the collection has been on display at the Museum.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

John Carty has worked with Aboriginal artists and communities for 25 years. He has worked extensively with Aboriginal custodians on art, history, museum and repatriation projects. Some of these projects become books, like Balgo: Creating Country (2021), Indigenous Australia: Enduring Civilisation (2015) and Sun & Shadow: Art of the Spinifex People (2023). Other projects become exhibtions, like Yiwarra Kuju: the Canning Stock Route (2010), and Yidaki: Didjeridu and the Sound of Australia (2017). His latest book is Birrundudu Drawings (2025) which explores 800 historical drawings by Aboriginal Stockmen that have been invisible for over 80 years. John was Head of Humanities at the SA Museum for 9 years, and has also served on the National Commission for UNESCO. He is currently Professor of Museum and Curatorial Studies at The University of Adelaide.

The South Australian Museum acknowledges Metal Manufacturers and Warmun Arts Centre for their support of this exhibition, and thanks Ink Pots Arts, Caitriona O’Brien and the numerous donors whose generosity made acquisition of this significant collection of artworks possible.