Janbal Gallery — Attraction in Mossman

Janbal Gallery, located at 5 Johnston Rd, Mossman QLD, is a true gem for anyone interested in authentic Indigenous Australian art, culture, and storytelling. My journey to discovering this incredible space began at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, where I first encountered Brian “Binna” Swindley’s original works. Seeing the depth of his artistry there made a visit to his gallery an absolute must, and I’m so glad I went.

From the moment I stepped into Janbal Gallery, I felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and welcome. Brian himself is an exceptional host, generous with his time, passionate about his craft, and deeply connected to the stories he tells through his paintings. He is not only an immensely talented artist but also a true gentleman, considerate, patient, and eager to share the cultural significance behind each piece.

The gallery itself is beautifully curated, offering a diverse collection of Brian’s artwork that showcases the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and meaningful symbolism of Kuku Yalanji culture. Every piece holds a story, and Brian takes the time to explain the inspiration behind his work, making the experience not just visually stunning but also profoundly insightful.

What sets Janbal Gallery apart is the immersive experience it offers. Adjacent to the exhibition space is a well-equipped painting area where Brian hosts interactive workshops. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone with no prior experience, he provides guidance and encouragement, making it a fantastic opportunity to connect with Indigenous art on a personal level.

During my visit, I was so impressed by Brian’s work and his thoughtful approach that I commissioned him to create a custom piece for me. He took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for, engaging in a thoughtful discussion to ensure the final piece would be meaningful and aligned with my vision. His patience and commitment to delivering something truly special made the process both exciting and rewarding.

Janbal Gallery is more than just a place to view or purchase art, it’s a cultural experience that deepens your appreciation for Indigenous storytelling and creativity. Whether you’re looking to admire unique artwork, learn about the traditions behind the pieces, or even create your own, a visit to Brian Swindley’s gallery is an enriching and unforgettable experience. I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by if you’re ever in Mossman, it’s a place where art, history, and culture come together in the most...

Paid around $ 85 for myself and my 6 years old daughter, and given a tiny canvas (other visitor seemed had exact same experience and they wrote it was it’s 7cm x 7cm canvas) so my daughter finished quicker than myself and others. I asked if I could pay for extra canvas for her and he straightaway gave her another canvas, I was about to pay for it as I had some cash but he told me “I’ll make you pay later.” So I continued. When I back to counter he charged me for another whole session which was around $30 so I said I was happy to pay for extra canvas, not for another session because she finished everything in time same with others. She didn’t cause extra time or anything. He said he never had any problem for charging $30 for a canvas in the past. So I said “ I’ll pay but let you know that I’m not happy. You should’ve told me earlier if you were charging for another session.this isn’t nice.” And someone walked in, all of sudden he asked me to leave because he knew what he was charging was non-sense. The most saddest thing is that now my daughter says she doesn’t like aboriginal people anymore, she was confused as he was nice to her while the session and turned 180 over money. Disappointed and little scary. We saw his real face, it was not about letting people experience his world, it was about money. He didn’t have any compassion towards children as soon as conflict came up over money. I had $18 in cash I thought it would be enough for a 7cmX 7cm Canvas...

I wouldn’t recommend the art class if you’re looking for traditional art. The artist has amazing talents and his works are simply beautiful! Definitely visit his gallery. But he does contemporary art which is why we didn’t learn anything about traditional patterns etc. Just had to do our own creations with very little instructions, just as if I would have done it at home myself. Didn’t really learn anything new. Also not many materials and no boomerangs, because he was out of them. If you want one, better call before you book it and ask if he has any in stock. Unfortunately very disappointing and not worth the price...