Stuart Elliott’s Fremantle 1988 is a ‘fakeological’ dig through two hundred years of recent Western Australian history, from the time of invasion to commemoration of the national bicentenary in 1988.

Exhibited at FAC for the first time, Elliott’s imposing and interactive cabinet of horrors is a multi-levelled painted assemblage, full of eccentric dramatisations and exotic reminisces that shed light upon a web of powerful local and national stories of conflict and survival.

Overtly critical, poignant, nuanced and entertaining, Fremantle 1988 is a significant early work by the senior WA figurative artist. It was recently donated to the City of Fremantle Art Collection by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre.

This exhibition will also include a selection of painted assemblages from the artist’s collection and a unique visitor audio guide.

Curated by André Lipscombe and Stuart Elliott.

The City of Fremantle Art Collection, established in 1958, is the largest municipal collection in WA with over 1,500 works. The Collection’s focus on Fremantle artists and Australian prints celebrates the enduring importance of the visual arts to Fremantle.

Floorsheet

Read the Stuart Elliott: Fremantle 1988 floorsheet online or pick one up in the galleries.

Audio Guide

Listen to an excerpt from the in-gallery Audio Guide in which Stuart Elliott describes Fremantle 1988.