Sylvia Wilson works in two directions at once, curating other artists’ exhibitions while maintaining her own painting practice. For our new Behind the Scenes feature, which turns the spotlight on the people who make regional arts happen, Sylvia is a fitting place to start. Her curatorial work and her own practice are never far apart, and the two feed each other constantly.
Based in Newman on Nyiyaparli Country, Sylvia paints in acrylic and watercolour, mostly portraits.
“I don’t really paint a person just visually, but from what’s in me. It’s very related to memory.”
That approach can be daunting, she says, in a genre where audiences often expect something more literal. But it’s also where the power of her work sits: in the space between likeness and feeling.
‘Nan Nan’ (Grandmother) by Sylvia Wilson: Selected as a finalist in the 2026 Telstra NATSIAAs. Image courtesy of Martumili ArtistsSylvia Wilson with her painting ‘Wanti Yuu’, 2025: Photo by Isaac Barber, courtesy of Martumili Artists.
Art wasn’t always going to be Sylvia’s job. She got into it as a teenager, though she says it was always there in the background, waiting.
“My mum said it wasn’t a real job, so first I had to get a job-job, then I slowly got back into it.”
It was moving home to Newman around eight years ago that gave her the room to paint every day. Being close to family, other Martu artists at the Martumili studio, and to Country shapes the work as much as any technique does.
“I get inspired by everything here, especially sitting with other artists in the Martumili studio, watching them paint. This is home.”
Painting, for Sylvia, is also an outlet for grief.
“My art really helps with grief. It allows me to let it all out of my body; by putting it on the paper or canvas, it’s like art therapy. I feel happy while painting.”
Curating alongside painting
This year alone, Sylvia has curated two exhibitions while keeping her own practice moving. Bugai Whyoulter: Desert Spirit at 8 Hele Gallery in Alice Springs (1st August-5th September), and Powerhouse Wanti II at the Courthouse Gallery + Studio in Port Hedland (4th September-16th October), the second in a series Sylvia curates celebrating the strength of Martu women through painting. It features Betty Whyoulter, Beverley Rogers, Gladys Kuru Bidu and Yikartu Bumba Petersen, following on from Powerhouse Wanti at the Moores Building Art Space in Walyalup/Fremantle, after which three of the participating artists went on to solo exhibitions of their own.
Balancing curatorial deadlines with her own painting takes a particular kind of focus.
“It’s hard work, but I love stretching and installing work too; I love the challenge. I’ve learned to flip my mind into different modes, curating and painting.”
It’s also been a big year for Sylvia’s own art. She was a finalist in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, changing her piece at the last moment before submitting because she wasn’t satisfied with it, then travelling to Darwin for the ceremony.
“It’s emotional, and I’m showing my artwork to different people, new audiences.”
Sylvia Wilson, 2025, Photo by Bo Wong, courtesy of Martumili ArtistsSylvia Wilson and mentor Zali Morgan during curatorial sessions for Powerhouse Wanti II in Newman, Juyl 2026. Image by Bo Wong, courtesy of Martumili Artists
What’s next
Sylvia’s first solo exhibition, Wanti Yuu, opened at Mosman Art Gallery on 21st August and runs through to 26th October. The title translates to “Woman Yeah!” Beyond that, she’s looking at bringing together a broader collection of her work, with an Archibald submission a possibility.
Asked what she’d want people to know, Sylvia keeps it simple.
“Every day I’m learning more; my style could change in the next couple of years, so I take it as it comes. My advice is to do what you gotta do. Never give up on your own artistic skill or talent. Have fun.”
Behind the Scenesspotlights the people working across regional WA’s arts sector, both the work they do to support others and, often, the creative practices they carry alongside it. Do you know someone who should be featured? Email us: enews@regionalartswa.org.au
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We recognise the resilience and strength of First Nations peoples, their rich cultural heritage, and the ongoing importance of their knowledge and practices. We are committed to fostering cultural equity and understanding with First Nations people across WA.
Claire Ritchie
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