Ever Present
First Peoples Art of Australia
14 Sep 2024 – 24 Aug 2025
Level 1, Gallery 1–6
Free with ticket
![a large dot painting in bright colours](https://media.nga.gov.au/SCqmroG1ywCG6vb5nJw0akAwxOg=/60x53:4154x2767/1600x0//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/345446_-_Large_Viewing_JPEG_4200px.jpg)
Tjungkara Ken, Sandra Ken, Yaritji Young, Freda Brady, Maringka Tunkin, Pitjantjatjara people, Seven Sisters 2018, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2020, © Tjunkara Ken, Sandra Ken, Yaritji Young, Freda Brady, Maringka Tunkin/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.’
About
![](https://media.nga.gov.au/PZAW3r80smxhQ65SPx5ilZoZyL0=/102x85:3450x4155/adaptive-fit-in/1200x1200//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/37840_pm_-_Large_Viewing_JPEG_4200px.jpg)
Julie Dowling, Badimaya people, Self-portrait: in our country , 2002, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2002 © Julie Dowling/Copyright Agency, 2022
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with wit, satire and juxtaposition to confront viewers and encourage conversations that are essential to disputing outdated myths and ideologies.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
Supported by
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Wesfarmers Arts
Visit the website for Wesfarmers Arts
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Australian Government
Dates & Venues
Touring dates
- Art Gallery of Western Australia, WA
8 Dec 2021 – 18 Apr 2022 - National Gallery Singapore, Singapore
27 May – 25 Sep 2022 - Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, New Zealand
29 Jul – 29 Oct 2023 - National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, ACT
14 Sep 2024 – 24 Aug 2025
Works of Art
Albert Namatjira, Quarta Tooma – Ormiston Gorge, 1939, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth, © Albert Namatjira/Copyright Agency, 2022.
![](https://media.nga.gov.au/ZuiQHYinsBCYFJdJXaWKtynMn_I=/102x85:3450x4155/0x600//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/37840_pm_-_Large_Viewing_JPEG_4200px.jpg)
Julie Dowling, Badimaya people, Self-portrait: in our country , 2002, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2002 © Julie Dowling/Copyright Agency, 2022
![](https://media.nga.gov.au/i0z9mtns-KRnQoGNDlS28CDjAS8=/0x600//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/tres.e4dd8fb.jpg)
Daniel Boyd, Kudjla/Gangalu/Kuku Yalanji/Jagara/Wangerriburra/Bandjalung peoples, Treasure Island, 2005, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2006.
![The words "Ash on me" with little trinkets stuck on the word "ash"](https://media.nga.gov.au/nkPKiznN9llEvGteBnBsmTa9F2U=/0x600//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/Tony_Albert_Ash_on_Me.jpeg)
Tony Albert, Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji peoples, ASH on Me, 2008, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2009, © the artist and Sullivan+Strumpf, Gadigal Nura/Sydney
![](https://media.nga.gov.au/dL80s7OAan3LdxVKE_2Vv7u2jIo=/0x600//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/352365_-_Lo-Res_Preview_JPG_800px.jpg)
Timothy Cook, Tiwi people, Kulama, 2010, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth, © Timothy Cook/Copyright Agency, 2022
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
![Cream coloured work of art with a dark brown crescent moon shape and a cross or star shape in the centre](https://media.nga.gov.au/w85FWFXKbQ1eDSSfC9TLvCrfCgo=/0x600//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/MicrosoftTeams-image_22_WzOl2eZ.png)
Mabel Juli, Gija people, Wardal and Garnkeny, 2011, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth, © Mabel Juli/Copyright Agency, 2021.
Lola Greeno, Pakana Peoples, Blue Ceremonial King Maireener necklace, 2016, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2020, © Lola Greeno
![](https://media.nga.gov.au/_wwVKB-EFwqBLWdd9jhdJAP2Di4=/0x600//national-gallery-of-australia/media/dd/images/Richard_Bell.jpg)
Richard Bell, Kamilaroi/Kooma/Jiman/Gurang Gurang peoples, Omega (Bell’s Theorem), 2013, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth.