Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia
Media Kit
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Key information
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Contact
For general enquiries, please contact
Jessica Barnes
Senior Communications & Content Officer, Touring
T +61 2 6240 6431
E 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.’
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with wit, satire and juxtaposition to confront viewers and encourage conversations that are essential to disputing outdated myths and ideologies.
Ever Present includes the work of over 170 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.
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, Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art
DOWNLOAD IMAGES
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Kaylene Whiskey, Yankunytjatjara people, Visitors to Iwantja Arts, 2022, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2023
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Installation view, Archie Moore, Kamilaroi/Bigambul peoples, Family Tree , 2021, and The Aboriginal Memorial, 1987–88, Bandjalung people, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra
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Ancestor, people not recorded, Torres Strait Islander people, Mask, 19th Century, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra
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Albert Namatjira, Quarta Tooma – Ormiston Gorge, 1939, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth, © Albert Namatjira/Copyright Agency, 2022.
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Robert Campbell Jr, Nagku people, Aboriginal camp at sunset, 1988, the Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth © Robert Campbell Jr
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Andrina Kantilla, Tiwi people, Batik textile, 1989, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © Tiwi Designs
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Yvonne Koolmatrie, Ngarrindjeri people, Eel trap, 1992, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © Yvonne Koolmatrie
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Tony Albert, Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji peoples, ASH on Me, 2008, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, © the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf, Gadigal Nura/Sydney
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Daniel Boyd, Kudjla/Gangalu/Kuku Yalanji/Jagara/Wangerriburra/Bandjalung peoples, Treasure Island, 2005, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © Daniel Boyd
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Julie Dowling, Badimaya people, Self-portrait: in our country , 2002, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © Julie Dowling/Copyright Agency, 2022
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Christopher Pease, Wrong side of the Hay (A deserted Indian village), 2005, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth © Christopher Pease
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Reko Rennie, Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay/Gummaroi people, Message Stick (Green), 2011, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © Reko Rennie
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Daniel Walbidi, Mangala/Yulparija peoples, Wirnpa 2011, synthetic polymer paint on linen, the Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth, © Daniel Walbidi/Copyright Agency, 2022
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Mabel Juli, Gija people, Wardal and Garnkeny, 2011, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth, © Mabel Juli/Copyright Agency, 2021.
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Michael Cook, Bidjara people, Undiscovered #4 from Undiscovered series, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, © the artist and THIS IS NO FANTASY
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Judy Watson, Waanyi people, stake, 2010, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth, © Judy Watson/Copyright Agency, 2022
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Raymond Zada, Barkindji people, At Face Value, 2013, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © Raymond Zada
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Richard Bell, Kamilaroi/Kooma/Jiman/Gurang Gurang peoples, Omega (Bell’s Theorem), 2013, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth © Richard Bell
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Lola Greeno, Pakana Peoples, Blue Ceremonial King Maireener necklace, 2016, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © Lola Greeno
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Sebastian Arrow, Yawuru people, Jalinyi, 2016, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © Sebastian Arrow
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki 2023, courtesy Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photo by David St George.
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National Gallery Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, Tina Baum, Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples pictured with Jonathan Jones, Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi peoples, Dr Uncle Stan Grant Snr AM, Wiradjuri people, collaborator, Beatrice Murray, Wiradjuri people, collaborator, untitled (walam-wunga.galang), 2020–21, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra © Jonathan Jones
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(left to right) Tina Baum, r e a, Christopher Pease, Bruce Johnson-McLean and Nathan Pōhio at the soft opening of Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 2023, courtesy of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photography by David St George
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National Gallery Assistant Director First Nations Engagement and Head Curator, First Nations Art Bruce Johnson-McLean playing the yidaki at the soft opening of Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 2023, courtesy of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photography by David St George
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The soft opening of Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 2023, courtesy of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photography by David St George
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The soft opening of Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 2023, courtesy of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photography by David St George
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The soft opening of Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, 2023, courtesy of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, photography by David St George
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Various works, installation view, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, National Gallery Singapore, 2022. Photo by: Joseph Nair, Memphis West Pictures
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Various works, installation view, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, National Gallery Singapore, 2022. Photo by: Joseph Nair, Memphis West Pictures
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Various works, installation view, Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia, National Gallery Singapore, 2022. Photo by: Joseph Nair, Memphis West Pictures