Amanda Bell From our lip, mouths, throats and belly 2021. Neon, audio, 158 x 300 x 6 cm. State Art Collection, Art Gallery of Western Australia. Purchased through the Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation: COVID-19 Arts Stimulus Package, 2020.
Amanda Bell
Collection Debut
Gallery 02
An emerging artist makes a luminous debut in the State Collection.
This striking neon sculpture from Badimia and Yued woman Amanda Bell is the emerging artist’s first acquisition into the State Art Collection. Titled From our lip, mouths, throat and belly, the bright pink work takes the form of the Noongar word “Moorditj”, which means good or awesome in English.
A sound work accompanying the sculpture plays the voices of Aunty Gloria Hill and Aunty Lola Garlett sharing their stories. The work reflects on the weight of words, and the power of language in connecting with one’s cultural and familial heritage.
From our lip, mouths, throats and belly premiered at Fremantle Arts Centre’s (FAC) 2021 Revealed Exhibition, an annual showcase of Western Australia’s emerging Aboriginal artists. The work was created with support from a Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries grant.
“Words are ancient. They are a very powerful way to connect to and honour our past, and the work is a reflection of this.” — Amanda Bell
