If you’re a fan of contemporary art that touches on the essence of what it means to be human, chances are, you’ve already been to the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA). One of the premier art galleries in the Perth Cultural Centre, it often showcases diverse works from across the globe.
From August 2026, the gallery will highlight a local WA talent known for his work in bringing underground street art (aka graffiti) to mainstream attention and fame. His exhibition All the secrets are buried between the oceans and the mountains marks Stormie Mills‘ debut solo exhibition at an Australian state gallery.
Stormie Mills’ Upcoming AGWA Exhibition
Considered a landmark exhibition, it will display works from Mills’ expansive career alongside new paintings. In line with his work over forty years, this showcase explores themes of connection, isolation, and tenderness.
Mills moved to Perth at age three, later living in the UK and New York before returning to WA. His worldwide travels inspire his art, particularly this AGWA exhibition, bringing forth resilience in the face of isolation.
Two 12-metre-long paintings are among the highlights of All the secrets are buried between the oceans and the mountains. One touches upon the stormy, undulating seas, while the other represents steadfast mountains. In a sense, it speaks of the contrasts of the human condition and its vulnerability.
Mills’ Perth connection
The elemental nature of humanity and its contrasts are among the major themes of his work. But it also highlights Stormie Mills’ inherent connection to Perth.
He came to the WA capital from the Welsh seaside town of Colwyn Bay as a boy. A fierce defender of street art, he participated in an initiative against the State Government’s anti-graffiti messaging in 1994. The Wellington Street still proudly displays the public mural he created when street art was not seen in a positive light. Mills’ first solo exhibition took place at Jack Sue in West Perth in 1999.
His work has travelled the world, but this AGWA debut seems like a homecoming.
Stormie Mills’ All the secrets are buried between the oceans and the mountains will be showcased at the Art Gallery of Western Australia from August 1, 2026, to November 8, 2026.
