Published on Thursday, 10 October 2024 at 3:11:29 PM
As an adult Michael Macrae was diagnosed with ADHD, which explained a lot about his experiences as a young boy and why he has always been drawn to ‘remoteness’ both physically and emotionally.
At school, Michael would purposely sit next to a window to stare outside and drift away into his own stream of thoughts. His mind would be elsewhere, often lightyears away. However, during art classes, he would always be fully engaged.
Michael went on to complete a fine art degree and a teaching degree, both of which made it possible for him to live, teach and paint in the Kimberley for the past three years.
During his time there, Michael was given permission by the local Indigenous Elders to walk upon their land and to paint his experiences of being on country.
These experiences are now depicted in Michael’s solo exhibition, North: Three Years in the Kimberley, Teaching in Fitzroy Crossing – which opens at Tresillian Arts Centre on Friday 18 October at 6pm.
As an artist, Michael leans into his experience of having an ADHD diagnosis.
“Having ADHD has had an influence in how I create my artwork. I do not follow a specific style. Instead, I look at the subject matter and then decide how I will approach it“, Michael says.
In 2022, Michael was awarded the Kimberley Art Prize for his painting To Your Scattered Bodies Go.
Michael’s exhibition is open from 18 October to 8 November 2024 and includes more than 60 paintings of landscape, story and experiences of living and teaching in the Kimberley.
Viewing at Tresillian Arts Centre will be open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm until 8 November, with a weekend chance to meet the artist on Sunday 20 October 1-4pm.
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