Ever Present
First Peoples Art of Australia
14 Sep 2024 – 24 Aug 2025
Level 1, Gallery 1–6
Free
Kaylene Whiskey, Yankunytjatjara people, Visitors to Iwantja Arts, 2022, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2023 © Kaylene Whiskey/Copyright Agency, 2024
‘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
Julie Dowling, Badimaya people, Self-portrait: in our country , 2002, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2002 © Julie Dowling/Copyright Agency, 2024
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with wit, satire and juxtaposition to confront viewers and encourage conversations that are essential to disputing outdated myths and ideologies.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 over 260 works from more than 200 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.
Curator: Tina Baum, Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples, Senior Curator of First Nations Art
Supported by
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Wesfarmers Arts
Visit the website for Wesfarmers Arts
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
Audio Tour
Ever Present First Peoples Art of Australia, installation view, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, 2024
A free audio tour complements the exhibition.
The easy-to-use audio tour is accessible on your own device. Bring your headphones and be your own guide.
Hear from the Artists, speaking on their own works, in the Ever Present audio tour.
Works of Art
Archie Moore, Kamilaroi/Bigambul peoples, Family Tree, 2021, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased in celebration of the National Gallery of Australia's 40th anniversary, 2022 © Archie Moore
Gary Lee, Larrakia/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples, Shaba, 2006, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2009 © Gary Lee
Sally Gabori, Dibirdibi country, 2012, Wesfarmers Collection © Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori/Copyright Agency, 2024
Robert Campbell Jr, Nagku people, Aboriginal camp at sunset, 1988, the Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth © Robert Campbell Jnr, Courtesy of the artist's estate and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney
Brian Robinson, Maluyligal/Wuthathi/Dayak peoples, Custodian of the Blooms, 2014, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2016. This acquisition has been supported by John and Janet Calvert-Jones to mark Mr Calvert-Jones' tenure on Council and in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. © Courtesy of the artist and Mossenson Galleries
Grace Lillian Lee, Meriam Mir people, Future Woven Floral Forms (detail), 2020, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased in celebration of the National Gallery of Australia's 40th anniversary, 2022 © Grace Lillian Lee
Daniel Walbidi, Mangala/Yulparija peoples, Kirriwirri, 2013, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, Purchased with the assistance of Susie Maple-Brown AM and the late Robert Maple-Brown AO; Bill Guy and Kate Guy; Ralph Renard and Ruth Renard; Mike Woods and Kaely Woods 2013. © Courtesy the artist and Short St Gallery, Broome.
Daniel Boyd, Kudjla/Gangalu/Kuku Yalanji/Jagara/Wangerriburra/Bandjalung peoples, Treasure Island, 2005, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2006 © Daniel Boyd
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
Timothy Cook, Tiwi people, Kulama, 2010, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth, © Timothy Cook/Copyright Agency, 2024
Mabel Juli, Gija people, Wardal and Garnkeny, 2011, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth © Mabel Juli/Copyright Agency, 2024
Lola Greeno, Pakana Peoples, Blue Ceremonial King Maireener necklace, 2016, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2020, © Lola Greeno
Richard Bell, Kamilaroi/Kooma/Jiman/Gurang Gurang peoples, Omega (Bell’s Theorem), 2013, The Wesfarmers Collection of Australian Art, Boorloo/Perth © Richard Bell. Courtesy of the Artist and Milani Gallery
Related
Published 17 December 2010
Published 24 February 2020
