COSSACK ARTIST IN RESIDENCE LAST DAY

Rob Forlani was this year’s artist in residence at Cossack this year.

Forlani describes himself as an abstract artist, his paintings a colorful array of expressions are painted on linen often using mixed media. Born and practicing in Perth, Forlani has been exhibited across Australia and the US also runs workshops for artists throughout Australia.

The artists in residence program are supported by Rio Tinto and funded Forlani’s work where he overlooked the Indian Ocean in his art studio.

One of his most recent art pieces was inspired by his adventure on the Burrup Peninsula at Murujuga National Park.

“I went with a couple of Aboriginal Boys on a tour. They showed me around the Dampier-Burrup area.” He told Ngaarda Breakfast.

“And they explained to me what Murujuga meant and that it was the hip bone. And they were explaining to me that everything started in that particular

area and spread out to the rest of Australia from there. That impressed me greatly.”

Mr Forlani explained he was constantly growing in his art journey and was thankful for his exposure to the local Indigenous groups.

“I'm from the city, in Perth. I don't know anything really. Now, this exposure to Aboriginal people, the culture, everything, how people work together. I don't know we're not educated enough. I feel I want my kids to know

this stuff. So I'll go back down to Perth and tell them and everyone I interact with, what I've seen, because we don't know I do know a bit more now my Works continually evolving”.