The Marginalised — Who Is Looking Out For Them? Ryan Michael Art Exhibition (Willetton)

The Marginalised — Who Is Looking Out For Them? is an independent exhibition of realist paintings by Perth portrait painter Ryan Michael, proudly supported by the City of Perth and the Indian Society of Western Australia. Through a series of realist paintings, the exhibition explores inequality, identity and inclusion, giving visibility to marginalised and minority communities. Drawing on Ryan's experiences as an Indian Australian and immigrant, the works invite audiences to reflect on culture, race, gender, disability and economic circumstance, and the ways these can shape people's lives and opportunities.

Ryan describes portraiture as an act of witness: "to paint someone is to insist on their visibility." His subjects range from the streets of Mumbai to communities in Africa and beyond. He holds a Master's in Applied Design and Art from Curtin University and trained in photography under French-Senegalese photographer Bamba Sourang.

The exhibition is touring five Perth venues from 3 to 18 October. Its Willetton leg runs at the Indian Society of WA's Indian Community Centre, 12 Whyalla Street, from Monday 12 to Saturday 17 October, 10.30am to 4.30pm daily, with free entry, before a final showing on Sunday 18 October from 4pm to 8pm at the Rod Evans Community Centre, East Perth.