Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art

Collection
Ongoing
a person in blurred motion is walking through a gallery space

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander galleries.

GALLERY CLOSURE UPDATE:

Due to lighting maintenance the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Galleries will be closed until further notice.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived on the continent of Australia since time immemorial and the art and cultural traditions that have developed in this place are simultaneously among the most enduring in human history and the most exciting in contemporary society.

The National Gallery is custodian of the world’s largest and most outstanding collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, comprising over 7,500 works, and presents the nation’s largest dedicated exhibition space for First Nations art and creativity.

Our collection and gallery spaces aim to embrace, reflect and amplify the brilliance and diversity of First Nations art, culture and experience.

Related

Emily Kame Kngwarreye

Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Kelli Cole reflects on Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s life and shares highlights from the collection.

First Nations

S.J Norman

Black and white photograph of Koori artist SJ Norman sitting at a table surrounded by animal bones

Koori artist S.J NORMAN discusses his work 'Bone Library' and collaboration with the National Gallery and community.

First Nations

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Lesson Plan
Learning Resource

Landscape watercolour painting of Australian country with large gum tree on the left

Learning Resource to support developing students' understand the significance and rich diversity of First Nations arts practice.

The Aboriginal Memorial

Three men standing among a Bruce, Djon and Nick hollow log coffins from central Arnhem Land

On the eve of our 40th anniversary, the Gallery re-examines The Aboriginal Memorial.

First Nations

Mind your language

A wide long photograph / still from a film with a First Nations man, wearing a yellow singlet and black shorts signing

With the decade of Indigenous Languages beginning in 2022, find out how the Gallery will contribute to this vital global conversation.

First Nations /  Video

Behind the scenes with artist Betty Muffler

A video still of a hand painting

Published 10 June 2020

Anangu/Aboriginal Pitjantjatjara artist Betty Muffler shares the meaning behind her artwork featuring on the cover of Vogue Australia.