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.

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

First Nations

James Tylor
Photo essay

Lit by a single light, James Tylor sits in his darkened studio holding a daguerreotype photographic plate with gloved hands. He wears black and white Adidas trainers, olive chinos and a Kathmandu winter coat. He has dark short hair.

Kaurna artist JAMES TYLOR uses the historical 19th century photographic process of the Becquerel daguerreotype to create contemporary images.

Read Time 6 minutes
First Nations

Joel Bray

Photo of a man sitting on the side of a bathtub covered with soapy foam

Peter Johnson discusses Joel Bray’s performance practice, springing from the intersection of his Wiradjuri cultural heritage and his queer identity.

Read Time 4 minutes
First Nations

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

Blak power

A soft sculpture depiction of Parliament House surrounded by soft sculptures of people and native Australian animals and protest signs

Artists Marlene Rubuntja and Nanette Sharpe explain their connection to their work Blak Parliament House and Mparntwe/Alice Springs.

Read Time 8 minutes
First Nations

Mantua Nangala

A deep yellow pattern of repeated lines and dots

Papunya Tula artist Mantua Nangala talks with Hetti Perkins about the renowned Western Desert art movement and her major new triptych for Ceremony.

Read Time 14 minutes
First Nations

Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu – Communicating Country

Artist Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu carrying a camera and wearing a bright orange t-shirt walking walking through his hometown of Yirrkala in Northeast Arnhem Land

Deaf artist Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu (Guti) discusses with his family and teachers how his connection to Country helped him learn to communicate.

Read Time 12 minutes