Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia

Media Kit

Key information

The National Gallery has developed these online media kits for media usage only.

By downloading these images you are agreeing to the following:

Images are used exclusively by media, and only for purposes of publicity of the National Gallery of Australia, falling under the special exemptions of Fair dealing for purpose of reporting news or Fair dealing for purpose of criticism or review, as set out in the Copyright Act 1968; images must be accompanied by the provided caption; reproduction of images must respect the artist’s moral rights i.e., no cropping or overprinting on images.

Contact

For general enquiries, please contact

media@nga.gov.au

'“Ever present” is a very powerful statement. It reminds me that my culture has been here for countless generations, and I am not going anywhere. I am a result of my ancestors who walked before me and I am a vessel that will continue to teach the generations to come so that our culture, our people will be forever present.’

- Alick Tipoti, Kala Lagaw Ya people

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.

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with wit, satire and juxtaposition to confront viewers and encourage conversations that are essential to disputing outdated myths and ideologies.

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.

Please book a free Gallery entry ticket to gain admission to the National Gallery. We encourage you to book ahead of your visit.

Curator: Tina Baum, Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples, Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art

NEWSREEL

Download here

DOWNLOAD IMAGES

Related

Exhibition

Ever Present
First Peoples Art of Australia

Sept. 14, 2024—Aug. 24, 2025

Drawn from the national collection and Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art.

Wheelchair Accessible
Feature

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Curator Tina Baum shares the art, histories and realities of the world’s oldest continuous living culture.

Read Time: 21 minutes
First Nations

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia
Learning Resource

a bright orange, black, red and white dot painting. There is a figure with lots of legs, like a spider, and many circles above and below.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia
Touring Portal

Educator Program

Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia
Online Teacher Professional Learning

Image of artist Julie Gough standing with her work comprised of a bunch of wooden spears

Online professional learning session for primary and secondary school teachers.

Article

Mabel Juli: the moon and the stars

Cream coloured work of art with a dark brown crescent moon shape and a cross or star shape in the centre

Senior Gija artist Mabel Juli and her story of forbidden love

Read Time: 10 minutes
First Nations

Jonathan Jones: untitled (walam-wunga.galang)
4 Mar – 23 Jul 2023

A detail of up-scaled sandstone grinding and milling stones from different sites in Wiradjuri Country (central New South Wales)

A collaborative project by Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist Jonathon Jones featuring sandstone grindstones and a soundscape in Wiradjuri language.

Essay

Yan Bani / Always Here

Photo of a horizontal white feather on a background of the blue sky

Curator TINA BAUM discusses the richness, diversity and depth of the works of art on display in Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia.

Read Time: 27 minutes