Blak Dot proudly presents our final exhibition for 2017, ‘AA’ – a celebration of the work of artists Annie Moors (Yolngu) and Amani Tia (Samoan).

Special guest performances by the Djirri Djirri Dancers,Reading by Pauline Vetuna,South Sea Dance Group & DJ KYANZ

Hailing from Milingimbi, Annie Moors is a standout young visual artist whose significant talent and sophisticated, emotive visual language have been instrumental in her gaining independent self-expression as a person born with Down Syndrome. Possessing a strong sense of identity as a Yolngu woman, her painting practice is informed by both traditional and contemporary urban indigenous culture. Creative Producer Amina McConvell has noted that Annie’s work, much of which on the surface appears bright and happy, also conveys aspects of her life, relationships and daily experiences and her emotions about it all.

Amani Tia is a visual artist of Samoan descent from Auckland, now residing in Naarm (Melbourne). In 1994, Amani was the victim of a violent attack, through which he sustained an acquired brain injury and almost lost his life. We are blessed that both Amani and his painting and drawing arts practice survived; Amani has continued to hone his craft, with broad influences including artists like Basquiat, Salvador Dali, Leonardo Da Vinci, Monet, as well as Indigenous Australian, contemporary Samoan and Pacific Islander art. Amani’s current focus is on observational drawing, taking inspiration from his immediate environment. His practice also includes studio painting – where he works from stylised still life installations – and plain air environments.

Opening event: Thursday November 23, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

This exhibition coincides with this year’s International Day of People with Disability December 3rd.