Mr R Peters Springvale Station, Turkey Creek, Western Australia, 1935-2020

Rusty Peters (1935 - 2020) was one of the greatest artists of his generation. 'He was revered not only for his depiction and knowledge of Country, but also his unique understanding of systems of knowledge. He strove to create works 'two-ways', bridging the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous ways of being and learning' says Warmun Arts. Painting with traditional red and yellow ochres and black charcoal, he is recognised for his distinctive, intricate curves mapping Country, and dark caves and rivers.

In 2015, Peters was a finalist in the 32nd Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, and in 2017, three of his paintings were featured in Defying Empire, the exhibition of the 3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery of Australia Canberra, and later at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. In 2018, at age 84, Rusty painted a 5-metre triptych depicting his inimitable East Kimberley night starry skies over Darrajayin, his ancestral land. The beautiful and moving painting was acquired by ARTBANK, an entity of the Australian Government specialised in loaning and rotating the works of Australian artists in private and public institutions.