Colours of our Country exhibition marks 21 years with over 100 new art works

Phoebe Blogg Published September 22, 2026 at 4.00pm (AWST)

arts

Signature Artist Kariyarra and Yindjibarndi woman Wendy Warrie. (Image: supplied)

More than 120 artworks celebrating the enduring connection between people, Country and culture in the Pilbara will go on sale this month, as Colours of our Country returns for its 21st year.

The 2026 exhibition opened Monday and will run to October 2, showcasing the work of 29 Pilbara artists, including artists from the Cheeditha Art Group and Yinjaa-Barni Art Centre.

A painting by Cheeditha Art Group member Wendy Warrie, titled Out on the Horizon, has been chosen as the signature artwork for the 2026 exhibition.

Ms Warrie, a Kariyarra and Yindjibarndi woman, has been painting for more than two decades, using her art to share stories of Country, culture, family and community. She is this year's Signature Artist and Artist in Residence.

"My painting at Colours of our Country is called 'Out on the Horizon'," Ms Warrie said.

"When I was painting it, I was thinking about sitting out at the beach and watching the sun go down, trying to get a fish at the same time.

"All my paintings are a true story of what I've been doing in my life."

*Signature Artist Kariyarra and Yindjibarndi woman Wendy Warrie. (Image:* *Colours of our Country)*

*Behind the scenes at a previous year's Colours of our Country exhibition. (Image: Colours of our Country)*

Since its 2006 launch, Colours of our Country has sold more than 3,325 artworks, with more than A$3.6 million going directly to Pilbara artists, art centres and their communities.

"As Rio Tinto marks 60 years in the Pilbara, Colours of our Country reminds us of the rich culture, stories and artistic traditions that have been a part of the Pilbara region for tens of thousands of years," said Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Matthew Holcz.

"What began as part of Rio Tinto Iron Ore's 40th anniversary celebrations has grown into a much-loved annual exhibition that has supported hundreds of artists and helped share Pilbara Aboriginal culture with audiences in Australia and around the world."

"For two decades, Colours of our Country has connected artists with new audiences, while ensuring the benefits of every sale flow back to artists, art centres and communities."

The exhibition is open weekdays from 8:00am to 4:30pm at Central Park Tower, 152-158 St Georges Terrace, Perth.

Artworks are available for purchase at the exhibition and online with all proceeds going directly to artists, art centres and their communities.

For more fashion, arts, culture and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.