Billy Benn Perrurle facts for kids

Billy Benn Perrurle or Billy Benn (c. 1943 - 14 October 2012) was an Alyawarre landscape artist from Australia. He was an artist with a disability who worked with the Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists. His paintings show the beautiful land of his people, near Harts Range in the Northern Territory. They also show his deep personal connection to this land.

Early Life and Art

Billy Benn was born in a place called Artetyerre, which is near Harts Range. His father was Alyawarre and his mother was Akarre.

Billy Benn started learning to paint when he was a teenager. First, his sisters Ally and Gladdy taught him to paint on animal skin. Later, he learned from a "Chinese lady." His father, Jimmy Kemerre, was also an artist. He was known for making traditional items like boomerangs and spears.

Working in Central Australia

When Billy Benn was about 10 years old, he started working in Central Australia. He worked for mining companies in places like the Harts Range Mica Field and the Arltunga Goldfields. He often worked for a person named Simon Rieff. Billy Benn remembered working with many Italian people and enjoying their spaghetti lunches. He said, "good food, those Italian people." For his work, Billy Benn was not paid with money, but he received food and clothing.

Later, Billy Benn worked on cattle stations in the region. He helped pump water for cattle and moved sheep and cattle across the land. He became a skilled Aboriginal tracker. In these jobs, he was also not paid with money.

Finding His Artistic Path

Billy Benn faced some difficult times in his life. During a period when he was in a mental health institution in Adelaide, he started painting on anything he could find. He was inspired by the famous artist Albert Namatjira, whom he had met once. Billy Benn remembered Namatjira with his "flash shirt, good hat and big truck."

In 1981, Billy Benn returned to Alice Springs in Central Australia. He began working for Bindi Inc., an organization that helps people with disabilities find jobs and support. He worked there making metal boxes.

In the 1990s, during his breaks from work, Billy Benn started painting on pieces of wood and metal. Through his art, he began to map out his father's country, a place he had not seen for many years. His amazing talent led to the creation of Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists in 2000, which was formed around him.

At Bindi Mwerre Anthurre Artists, Billy Benn's paintings stayed true to their beginnings in the workshop. He often painted on recycled timber. He also helped other artists develop their skills, including Aileen Oliver and Seth Namatjira.

In 2009, when he was in his seventies and his health was not as good, Billy Benn and Catherine Peattie started working on a book about his life and art. This project allowed Billy Benn to return to Harts Range, a place he had not visited in 40 years. The book, Billy Benn, was released in 2011.

Billy Benn passed away on 14 October 2012. His funeral was held in Alice Springs on 26 October 2012.

Achievements and Recognition

Billy Benn's artwork is now displayed in important art galleries around Australia and in other countries. His work has become very well-known.

Some of his achievements include:

• He won the 34th The Alice Prize in 2006.
• His work was part of the 'Landmarks' exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in 2007.
• He was chosen for Australian Art Collectors magazine's 2007 list of the fifty most collectable artists.

See also

• Art of Australia