Dandy fleur is a collection of mixed media work by Pilbara artist Rusty. Rusty is Zendth Kes and Itaukei. Storytelling has always been a way of life for them, distilled in them by their elders and ancestors (the original story tellers).

The works focus on portraying a never-ending pursuit of adventure and life’s trials and tribulations.

Bold, atmospheric prints, painted works and installation portray the characters in a whimsical manner, dealing with their own pursuit of some sort. A nautical creature named Dandy is prevalent throughout the prints, highlighting the overall meaning of the exhibition, “the never-ending pursuit”.

Dandy first moves with caution through the pieces, peering through doorways at the things happening around them, intentionally setting feelings of otherness.

Rusty’s intention with their character Dandy is to show the hesitancy of the pursuit of adventure that some face and the ideologies of how we mustn’t stop ourselves from doing so, as it is in our nature.

Rusty uses Dandy as an anchor between this world and the next, gradually displaying Dandy present in the scene unfolding. Dandy begins to find confidence in being part of something bigger than themselves.

Dandy is a euphemism for Rusty’s own anxieties, shame of self and oppression; their own hesitancy with adventuring the unknown and building strength and resilience within themselves, persevering through it all and being present and enjoying the journey, despite the outcome.

Rusty has been in numerous group exhibitions, most recently including the Melville Contemporary Art Awards (2021) and Melville Art Awards (2021).