Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia

Julie Dowling, Badimaya people, “Self-portrait: in our country”, 2002, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2002 © Julie Dowling/Copyright Agency, 2022.

“To understand the richness, diversity and depth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture would take many generations, many lifetimes, but to appreciate it only takes a moment. Together, the artists and their works powerfully reinforce that we always have been and always will be ever present.”
– TINA BAUM

Following a national and international tour, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia returns to Kamberri/Canberra for its final showing at the National Gallery of Australia.

A survey of historical and contemporary works of art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia, this exhibition draws from the national collection and Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art. Although Ever Present is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, it does not shy away from Australia’s complex histories. The works challenge stereotypes about First Nations people and what defines their art. The artists contest populist views of Australian history, using art as a tool of resistance and replacing physical weaponry with wit, satire and juxtaposition to confront viewers and encourage conversations that are essential to disputing outdated myths and ideologies.

Ever Present includes over 260 works from more than 200 artists as it considers seven overarching and interlinked themes: Ancestors + Creators; Country + Constellations; Community + Family; Culture + Ceremony; Trade + Influence; Resistance + Colonisation; and Innovation + Identity.

Together the works underline the ever-present existence of our First Peoples.

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia is presented by the National Gallery of Australia and Wesfarmers Arts.

Curator: Tina Baum, Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples, Senior Curator of First Nations Art.