3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial: Defying Empire
26 May—10 Sep 2017
Kunmanara (Ray) Ken (Pitjantjatjara/Yankunyjatjara peoples), Kulata Tjuta, 2015, purchased 2016 © Ray Ken/Copyright Agency
Defying Empire brings the works of 30 contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the country into the national spotlight.
The 3rd National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery commemorates the 50th anniversary of 1967 Referendum that recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australians for the first time. It explores the ongoing resilience of Australia's Indigenous people since first contact, through to the historical fight for recognition and ongoing activism in the present day.
Be moved by powerful art that touches on the issues of identity, racism, displacement, country, nuclear testing, sovereignty and the stolen generations through many media: painting on canvas and bark, weaving and sculpture, new media, prints, photography, metalwork and glasswork.
This ground breaking show is the largest survey yet at the National Gallery and it highlights the continued excellence and diversity of Indigenous practice today.
Curator: Tina Braum, Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples, Curator Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art
Touring Dates and Venues
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, NT
24 March – 15 July 2018
UQ Art Museum, QLD
28 July – 11 November 2018
Western Plains Cultural Centre, NSW
9 March – 5 May 2019
Mildura Art Gallery, VIC
26 July – 13 October 2019
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, TAS
15 November 2019 – 9 February 2020
Australian National Maritime Museum, NSW
5 March – 6 September 2020
Archived Site
The original website for this exhibition was published in 2017 and has been archived for research purposes.
View Archived Site
2nd National Indigenous Art Triennial: unDISCLOSED
11 May—22 Jul 2012
The second National Indigenous Art Triennial explored the spoken and the unspoken, the known and the unknown, what can be revealed and what cannot.
4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony
Shepparton Art Museum, VIC
The 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial is the National Gallery's flagship exhibition series.
National Indigenous Art Triennial: Culture Warriors
13 Oct 2007—10 Feb 2008
The inaugural National Indigenous Art Triennial showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary art practice.