Artist Darryl Dempster’s latest work reflects his personal journey of transition and renewal. Known for his expressive hand gestures and limited verbal communication, Dempster’s art speaks volumes about his inner world. His painting of a fish resting on the rocks serves as a metaphor for preparation and transformation, symbolising the essence of rest and revival. 

Darryl joins a select group of designers and artists exhibiting in The Nature of Transition, a carefully curated experience set against the historic backdrop of the Fremantle Naval Store. Curated by Cindy-Lee Davies, The Nature of Transition celebrates the connections that emerge between objects, people and the spirited essence of lived environments—an interplay made possible through thoughtful design.

See also Darryl’s Workshop for Children event.

Exhibitors include:

Artedomus
Emma Lindegaard Studio
Jordy Hewitt
Kolbusz Space – Georgia Bisley, Aileen Corbett, Mal Harry, Waldemar Kolbusz, Benjamin Kontoullas & Kartika Laili Ahmad
Lightly
Remington Matters

Event celebration

Saturday 19 Oct, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Join us for a sunset celebration by the port and an opportunity to meet the talented creatives! All are welcome.

Open times:

Friday 18 Oct, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday 19 Oct, 10:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday 20 Oct, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Monday 21 Oct, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 22 Oct, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 23 Oct, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 24 Oct, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Friday 25 Oct, 10:00am – 4:00pm

Parking is available at Tuckfield Oval Parkland and walk down the adjoining stairs.

For questions about this event, please contact the organiser.

Images 1–4: Jessica Wyld

Event presented by Lightly.

A proud Noongar man, Darryl was born and raised in Kepa Kurl (Esperance), Western Australia and moved to Boorloo (Perth) in his early adulthood. Embarking on his creative exploration five years ago, Darryl uncovered his innate talent and passion for art making, using vibrant colours and energetic gestures to communicate his rich inner world.

Darryl is an artist living with limited verbal abilities and uses a combination of hand gestures and sounds to communicate. Painting helps Darryl to feel grounded and connected; it’s an activity that he looks forward to in his daily life. Employing a raw, uninhibited style, Darryl’s artworks blend explosive splashes of colour and gestural marks across many surfaces. Found objects, lamps, street signs, garments and paper bags become the blank canvases for Darryl’s unique perspective, sharing vivid narratives that blend his lived experience with cultural knowledge and stories.

Melbourne and Fremantle-based studio Lightly has been dedicated to enriching spaces through thoughtful design since 2005. The studio was inspired by founder Cindy-Lee’s relationship with her grandmother, Rosemary Lightly, with kinship at its core. Lightly focuses on creating sanctuaries for rituals, family, and loved ones.

Shaped by a community of like-minded customers, artisanal makers, and individuals who value sustainable, ethical, and spirited design, Lightly offers a range of home products born from relationships and resourcefulness; design and functionality; colour and form.

Lightly aims to lead by example in the global design market, making Australian design accessible and building a family of like-minded souls. Over the years, the studio has nurtured relationships within the international architecture, hospitality, and design community, reflecting shared values and boundless creativity.

Visit website.