Mitchell Fine Art Archives - Fortitude Valley News

‘Luxury’ by Kim Wilson Brings Nature’s Delicate Balance to Mitchell Fine Art

Brisbane artist Kim Wilson returns to Mitchell Fine Art in Fortitude Valley this November with her second solo exhibition, Luxury. Running from 18 November to 12 December 2025, the exhibition celebrates the beauty of nature while reflecting on its fragility and the looming threat of ecological decline.

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Through her combination of realism and surrealism, Wilson draws attention to the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. The gallery describes Luxury as a series that calls attention to this fraught relationship, reminding audiences of the responsibility we all share to protect the only planet we have.

Rather than painting sweeping landscapes, Kim Wilson focuses on intimate details. She depicts nature through richly detailed and closely observed glimpses instead of panoramic scenes, showing what she calls the “quiet mess of details” that are often overlooked. Her work blurs the line between what is “known nature” and “felt nature”, suggesting both what nature looks like and how it feels.

The exhibition explores the tension between human beauty and human destructiveness. Wilson’s paintings heighten awareness by unsettling the familiar, hinting at the fragility of what we see, and providing an emotional intensity that strict realism alone might not convey.

Much of the inspiration for Luxury comes from Wilson’s extensive travels to some of the most remote regions of the world. Her experiences include journeys through northern Russia, the sub-Antarctic Islands, Africa, the USA, Canada, and small island nations across the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These travels continue to influence her practice and deepen her exploration of nature’s contrasts.

Wilson’s art invites viewers to look closely, to appreciate nature’s beauty both large and small, and to recognise the importance of caring for the planet. It reflects a belief that protecting the environment is not optional, but essential to our survival.

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An exhibition opening will be held on Friday 21 November from 6 to 8 pm at Mitchell Fine Art, located at 86 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley. The event is free and open to the public, with no RSVP required. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, with onsite parking available.

Published 10-November-2025

Napurrula Aboriginal Art Exhibition Showcases Cultural Legacy in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Napurrula Aboriginal Art Exhibition

Fortitude Valley is home to a powerful new art exhibition at Mitchell Fine Art, featuring the works of Aboriginal women artists from Central Australia. Running until 15 March 2025, ‘Napurrula’ highlights the deep cultural ties of the artists through their shared skin name and artistic heritage.

Aboriginal kinship system explored through art in Brisbane — Caption: Mitjili Napurrula – ‘Watiya Juta’ A16503 90 x 120cm acrylic on linen
Photo Credit: Supplied

A Celebration of Aboriginal Women’s Art

The Napurrula exhibition, which opened on 18 February, is a curated collection of paintings by female Aboriginal artists. These artists share the Napurrula skin name, which connects them to their family, clan, and ancestral land. The exhibition coincides with International Women’s Day to celebrate the role of women in preserving and sharing cultural traditions.

Curated by Mitchell Fine Art Director Mike Mitchell, the exhibition presents a striking selection of artworks from remote Central Australian Aboriginal communities. The artworks offer an insight into the kinship system that shapes Aboriginal identity.

Female Aboriginal artist’s painting displayed in Fortitude Valley — Caption: *Lorna Fencer Napurrula – ‘Yala (Bush Potato)’ A3233 99 x 109cm acrylic on linen*
Photo Credit: Supplied

The Significance of the Napurrula Skin Name

In Aboriginal culture, a skin name signifies an individual’s place within a complex kinship system. The Napurrula name specifically ties women to their heritage. It governs their relationships, responsibilities, and connection to the land.

Napurrula Aboriginal Art Exhibition at Mitchell Fine Art — Caption: *Narpula Scobie Napurrula – ‘Womens Dreaming’ MK16703 92 x 91cm acrylic on linen*
Photo Credit: Supplied

By selecting artists who share this ancestral identity, the exhibition highlights the strength and significance of Aboriginal women in visual storytelling. Each painting is a reflection of culture, land, and knowledge passed down through generations.

Art as an Expression of Identity

Mitchell Fine Art — *CaptionTatali Napurrula – ‘Tali (Sandhills)’ A12090 90 x 117.5cm acrylic on linen*
*Photo Credit: Supplied*

The artworks on display serve as both personal and communal expressions, illustrating the connection between the artist, their heritage, and their role in society. The exhibition acknowledges the ongoing role of Aboriginal women in the cultural and artistic landscapes of Australia.

Featured artists include:

Mitjili Napurrula – ‘Watiya Juta’ (acrylic on linen, 90 x 120 cm)
Lorna Fencer Napurrula – ‘Yala (Bush Potato)’ (acrylic on linen, 99 x 109 cm)
Narpula Scobie Napurrula – ‘Women’s Dreaming’ (acrylic on linen, 92 x 91 cm)
Tatali Napurrula – ‘Tali (Sandhills)’ (acrylic on linen, 90 x 117.5 cm)

Exhibition Details and Visitor Information

The Napurrula exhibition is currently on display at Mitchell Fine Art, 86 Arthur Street. The exhibition is available to visitors on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Onsite parking is available. For inquiries, contact 7 3254 2297.

Published 20-Feb-2025

Fortitude Valley Gallery Showcases Senior Indigenous Artists of the Western Deserts

Photo Credit: Mitchell Fine Art

Get ready to be captivated as Mitchell Fine Art in Fortitude Valley is unveiling a breathtaking new exhibition that will transport you to the heart of Australia’s ancient cultural landscape.

Senior Artists of the Western Deserts Fortitude Valley — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

“Senior Artists of the Western Deserts” is a vibrant celebration of the unparalleled artistry of the First Nations people, showcasing masterpieces by some of the country’s most revered Aboriginal talents.

Prepare to be mesmerised by the raw beauty, profound stories, and spiritual energy that emanate from these extraordinary works of art. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the magic of the Western Deserts through the eyes of its most gifted artists.

The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the deep spiritual and cultural traditions of the Western Desert region, which spans vast areas of Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory.

Through bold colours, intricate patterns, and mesmerising linear and pointillist techniques, the artworks on display tell stories of creation, law, and the natural world, reflecting the artist’s enduring relationship with their ancestral lands.

Each piece serves as a powerful reminder of the artist’s commitment to preserving their heritage and sharing their cultural narratives with the world. The exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in Aboriginal art and the rich cultural history of Australia’s First Nations people.

Mitchell Fine Art is located at 86 Arthur Street in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. The gallery is open six days a week, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with onsite parking available.

To stay up-to-date on the gallery’s latest exhibitions and events, art lovers can follow Mitchell Fine Art on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for the gallery’s mailing list.

Published Date 07-June-2024

‘Artists of the North Country’ Exhibition By World’s Oldest Continuous Living Culture At Mitchell Fine Arts

Mitchell Fine Arts presents the ‘Artists of the North Country: Arnhem Land and Beyond‘ exhibition in Fortitude Valley, a one-of-a-kind showcase, featuring awe-inspiring artworks from the world’s oldest, continuous living culture.

The Artists of the North Country exhibition brings together an incredible collection of artworks about the ‘North Country,’ gathered over four decades.

The untouched beauty of Arnhem Land, nestled in the northeastern corner of the Northern Territory and spanning an area of ~97,000 square kilometres, holds deep ties to Australia’s First Nations people, where a rich storytelling tradition has existed for the last 50,000 years.

The area continues to be one of the largest parcels of Aboriginal-owned land in Australia today.

Lorrkon: hollow wooden logs that serve as memorial poles
Photo Credit: Supplied

Visitors will marvel at the intricate bark paintings, the beautiful hollow log memorial poles, paintings, and other intricate works on paper.

Fresh Water Dreaming. Acrylic on Canvas by Sammy Blanasi
*“Animals depicted include the freshwater crayfish, crocodiles, eels and fish. The plant is the water lily which grows profusely in the billabongs in this country and are a food source.*“
Photo Credit: Supplied

Each piece is infused with creation events and stories of profound spiritual and cultural significance. Passed down through generations, these stories are preserved through dance, ceremony, and art.

Mimi Spirit. Acrylic on canvas by Paddy Fordham.
” *Mimi are reclusive, shy spirits that inhabit the rocky escarpment country around Gunbulunya in Western Arnhem land.* *Mimis are generally friendly, only becoming angry when a wrong is done to the innocent and the defenceless.* The painting depicts a single male Mimi.”
Photo credit: Mitchell Fine Arts

These remarkable works have been part of a private collection since the early 1980s. This is the first time they have gone on the market and serious collectors are expected to seize this unique opportunity to own a piece of history.

ONLINE PREVIEW

Mitchell Fine Art is conveniently located at 86 Arthur St in Fortitude Valley. Onsite parking is available and the gallery is open six days a week, from Monday to Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entire exhibition can be viewed online at www.mitchellfineartgallery.com.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the richness and depth of Aboriginal art. Connect with the cultural heritage of the world’s oldest continuous living culture, right here in Fortitude Valley. Plan your visit today and let the ‘Artists of the North Country’ exhibition leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Follow Mitchell Fine Art on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for their mailing list.

Published 6-July-2023

Primaveral: Buy Now Pay Later Art Exhibition Launches In Brisbane CBD

It’s always nice to have a creative and decorative masterpiece amongst all the gadgets and machines in your home. If you’re looking for new exciting pieces for your collection, an eclectic exhibition titled Primaveral, will be on display in Fortitude Valley, and you can have the artwork of your choice in a Buy Now, Pay Later scheme.

The group exhibit feels fitting amidst the uncertainty today. Primaveral means “of or taking place in early spring.” In the changing of the season, these artists continue to create, discover, evolve and find new meaning in what they do despite the setbacks and challenges.

Happening at Mitchell Fine Art, Primaveral features the following artists: Ann Thomson, Bernard Ollis, Carlos Barrios, David Hayes, Deirdre Bean, Franck Gohier, George Gittoes, Jeff Makin, Margaret Loy Pula, Matthew Cheyne, Min-Woo Bang, Mirra Whale, Peter Hudson, Steve Lopes, Stewart MacFarlane, Adrian Jangala Robertson, Annalisa Ferraris, Idris Murphy, Kenny Pittock, Kim Wilson, and Maximilian Daniels.

Their creations, showcasing a range of genres, times, themes and forms, will be exhibited from 2 Sept to 3 Oct 2020 with a special program on Saturday, 12 Sept 2020, at 2:00 p.m. The event is free but registration is necessary per COVID-19 precautions.

Touring the exhibit is also possible virtually through Facetime or Zoom. Photos of the masterpieces are shared in smaller screen resolution at the online gallery.

Easy Payment Scheme

Mitchell Fine Art supports Art Money, a fantastic scheme for interest-free loans to buy art.

Launched in 2015, Art Money enables every art lover to start or build their collection by paying the initial 10 percent of the artwork’s value with the rest paid up in a staggered arrangement over nine months, at no interest.

For the RSVP, the virtual tour, or to inquire about the artworks and Art Money scheme, phone 07 3254 2297 or email gallery@mitchellfineartgallery.com