A new multidisciplinary body of work by Noongar artist Brett Nannup will transform Goolugatup Heathcote this summer, as part of the 2026 TILT commission.
Titled ‘A homeland bound [with] grief 1.8.2.7.’, the exhibition opens from Saturday, 7 November 2026 to Sunday, 17 January 2027.
This major solo exhibition is grounded in Nannup’s connection to Country, presenting several neon works, sculptural corrugated iron forms and mixed-textile books.
Nannup is the son of acclaimed Noongar artist Laurel Nannup, a member of the Stolen Generation.
The exhibition reflects on his own lineage, including the experiences of his mother and ancestors, lives which have been shaped by both deep cultural connection and forced separation.
His work moves between past and present, bringing forward stories shaped by family, memory, resilience, displacement and disruption, while offering a deeply personal account that speaks to broader shared histories of continuity, identity and survival.
Goolugatup Heathcote sits at the heart of this exploration.
For Nannup, the site is not only historically significant, but culturally active - a place where knowledge has long been shared, challenged, and sustained.
His work, developed over a period of six months spent as a resident on site at Goolugatup, draws directly from this context, positioning the site as both subject and collaborator.
Drawing on the significance of Goolugatup and its influence on the project:
“Goolugatup is a place layered with histories of culture, disruption and survival.
While most people might hear ‘place of children’ and think of fun, learning or play, for me it is a place of teaching, connection and resistance - where knowledge has been shared across generations,” Nannup said.
Nannup’s work explores identity at the intersection of his Noongar heritage and contemporary life. Combining ancestral knowledge with modern materials and forms, his vibrant neon works draw from traditional motifs for new audiences.
“Through this body of work, I seek to reclaim space, voice and memory - for the collective histories of those who resisted, and for those who continue to endure. I honour my ancestors and their enduring presence, strength and resilience,” he said.
City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair said since its inception in 2008, the TILT commission had supported the development of major new works by Western Australian artists, including Curtis Taylor, Emma Buswell, Tom Mùller, Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Anna Louise Richardson and Jessee Lee Johns.
"We’re pleased to see Brett Nannup selected as Goolugatup’s 18th TILT artist, he joins an annual program that invites Western Australian artists to create ambitious, site-responsive work."
This year, Nannup’s commission was also supported by Goolugatup’s Noongar Artist Residency Program, which is in its fourth year.
Both the program and Nannup’s exhibition are curated by Noongar Curator Zali Morgan.
City of Melville Senior Curator and Creative Lead Jana Braddock said the 2026 edition of TILT presents a significant and timely response to place.
“Brett Nannup’s work brings a deeply considered perspective to Goolugatup Heathcote, foregrounding stories that are integral to understanding this place,” Braddock said.
“Through this commission, audiences are invited to engage with histories that continue to shape the cultural life of the site today.”
Exhibition Information:
- Title: A homeland bound [with] grief 1.8.2.7. - TILT Commission 2026
- Artist: Brett Nannup
- Dates: 7 November 2026 to 17 January 2027
- Venue: Goolugatup Heathcote, 58 Duncraig Road, Applecross WA
- Opening Event: Saturday, 7 November 2026, from 5.00pm
- Launch event attendees can expect free entry with live music, food and a bar.
For more information, visit https://www.goolugatup.com/