Indigenous Australia: Masterworks from the National Gallery of Australia

View of Indigenous Australia: Masterworks from the National Gallery of Australia, 2017 © me Collectors Room Berlin, Photo: Lidia Tirri

Indigenous Australia: Masterworks from the National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) and me Collectors Room Berlin present a survey of significant traditional and modern art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, providing an insight into one of the ‘oldest, richest and most complex’ cultures in the world (Franchesca Cubillo).

The NGA hosts the most extensive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork worldwide. Franchesca Cubillo, NGA Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, aims to further the international recognition of these multi-faceted creative traditions.
Exploring works from the early 19th century, ‘Indigenous Australia: Masterworks from the National Gallery of Australia’ encompasses not only the iconic traditional Indigenous works from these early periods, but also explores the rich diversity of contemporary practice in Australia right now.

While paintings form the core of the exhibition, they are accompanied by videos, sculptures and installations. The collection reflects Aboriginal culture’s deep spirituality in its connection to country. The religious mythology of the Dreaming holds an important place in many of the works, producing images of intricate patterns belonging to particular regions while works such as ‘Meeting the White Man’ (Tommy McRae) remind us that there has been great upheaval and change for these cultures throughout past and recent history. Some, sensing the ongoing transformation, used the medium of artistic expression to document their people’s ways, preserving them for future generations by portraying mythology and ancient rituals. Consequently, many of the modern works deal directly with issues arising today in Aboriginal society: Identity, politics, and sharing the complex history.

Caption for exhibition thumbnail: