AGWA presents first solo exhibition by Stormie Mills to be held at an Australian State gallery

Renowned WA street artist Stormie Mills will have his first solo exhibition at an Australian State gallery in August, four decades into a career that has played a decisive role in redefining the contemporary artform.

Opening at The Art Gallery of WA on August 1, major exhibition All The Secrets Are Buried Between The Oceans And The Mountains will feature a selection of Mills’ art from across his career — many sourced from collectors — alongside a new body of work.

“When I was just shy of 21, I remember going into the State gallery then and thinking, ‘Wow, what would it be like to be exhibited in this space?’” Mills said, who splits his time between Perth and Venice, Italy.

“I wasn’t dreaming big, I was just thinking of one piece. So to be given so much space and supported with so much freedom for this exhibition has been amazing.”

The exhibition will include two monumental 12m-long paintings, one referencing the oceans and the other, the mountains, as Mills’ most recent works reflect his global movements, personal history and encounters that have influenced his distinctive artistic practice since he began painting in 1984.

“Had I been offered an exhibition 10 years ago, I don’t know that I would have been ready,” Mills said.

“I’m not sure that I would have had the artistic or emotional maturity to be able to do it.

“As an artist, it’s one of those big milestones in your career. Am I ready now? I’m not exactly sure, but I’m doing my damnedest to be.”

AGWA director Colin Walker said the landmark exhibition foregrounded Mills’ drive to connect with painting, with people and with audiences.

“Stormie Mills has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Australian street art,” Walker said.

“This exhibition recognises not only his artistic contribution, but the emotional depth and humanity embedded in his work.”