Our first Art Gallery tour for 2023 focussed on recent acquisitions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

Titled “The Nature of Culture”, the diverse selection of paintings, sculpture and woven works were drawn from communities in many regions of the country, including Yirrkala and Maningrida in the Northern Territory, the desert regions and the Tiwi Islands.

Our well-informed guide, Jo, spoke about each work, bringing to our attention the differing styles of mark-making that were associated with the different geographical areas. Whether rendered in ochres or acrylic paints in earthy or vivid colours or utilising fibres, what each of the works revealed in their representation of place, is the deep and enduring connection the various artists have for the country to which they belong and which, in turn, belongs to them. Each is evidence in a material form of their ownership of country.

We learn so much from our gallery visits. Join us for our next guided tour of the AGSA collection on 8 March. Meet at 10.20 in the Art Gallery café.