‘Industry is at stake’: Scion of famed family demands APY collective chiefs stand down until Aboriginal art investigation is completed

A gallery owner from one of the most famous families of Indigenous artists has called on the group’s management to ‘step down’ until after an Aboriginal art investigation has been completed.

Founder of Pwerle Gallery Jade Torres with her great grandmother Molly Pwerle in 2021 on their country 'Atnwengerrp'. Picture: Supplied

An artist and gallery owner from one of the nation’s most famous families of Indigenous artists has called on the management of the APY Arts Centre Collective to “step down” until an investigation by the National Gallery of Australia has been completed.

Jade Torres Akamarre, an Alyawarre woman, and the director of Adelaide’s Pwerle Aboriginal Art Gallery, said that while the allegations about white hands interfering in Indigenous art at the APYACC remained unresolved, the entire Indigenous arts industry was being placed in jeopardy.

Ms Torres is the great-niece of the late Emily Kame Kngwarreye and granddaughter of the late Barbara Weir, both revered painters. She made her comments in response to a months-long investigation by The Australian in which five Indigenous artists and six studio staff made serious allegations about white staff painting on the canvases of Indigenous artists at the APYACC’s studios.

Both the general manager of the APYACC and its board have strenuously denied that any Indigenous artworks were interfered with by white staff.

“Despite the potential consequences, we are proud of the artists for speaking up and showing such admirable courage in speaking out about the current situation, reclaiming their rights and stories,” Ms Torres said.

“We firmly believe that a ­thorough investigation should be conducted to uncover the truth and address the matter comprehensively, as it not only affects our community but also the integrity of the entire Aboriginal art industry.”

Founder of Pwerle Gallery Jade Torres. Picture: Supplied

One of those artists who worked in the APYACC studio, Paul Andy, yesterday called on Skye O’Meara, the general manager of the collective, to resign.

Mr Andy had previously made claims to The Australian that Ms O’Meara had often painted on his canvases and had interfered with his Tjukurpa, his ancient stories of law and culture.

He claimed that he had also witnessed her painting on the canvases of other artists.

“She should not be the manager,” Mr Andy said.

“What she has been doing with the Anangu paintings, that is wrong.”

Ms Torres said the interference that was alleged to have taken place in the APYACC’s studio had been distressing for everyone involved in the Aboriginal art sector.

“Our primary focus at this ­moment is to safeguard our ­community and the immense hard work and passion that has gone into building this industry as a means for Aboriginal people to share and honour their culture,” Ms Torres said.

“As artists, we take immense pride in our work, culture, and dreamings, which are sacred stories passed down to us through generations,” she said. “It is our cultural responsibility to protect and preserve these stories with ­utmost authenticity, and only the traditional custodians are entrusted with the privilege of painting them onto the canvas.”

Aunty Charmaine Pwerle, Aunty Jessie Petyarre and Jade Torres, who founded the Pwerle Gallery.

She said Pwerle Gallery conducted workshops in the heart of the country, and its artists did not rely on any assistants in the creation of their artwork.

She made reference to a video obtained by The Australian in which a white studio manager was seen painting on the canvas of a famous Indigenous painter.

It was described by the APYACC as “background wash”. Ms Torres said she had never heard of “background wash” and whatever the studio manager was doing was unacceptable.

“It’s not a thing,” she said.

“And if they are using this method it’s not an authentic ­Aboriginal artwork.

“We firmly believe that the artists who hold the knowledge and belief in their culture are the only ones who can authentically ­convey the sacred stories on our behalf.”