"Stargazing Beyond Borders: Unpacking Australia's Rich Indigenous Art Heritage"
The National Gallery of Art has just unveiled a remarkable exhibition that shines a light on the often-overlooked world of Australian Indigenous art. "The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" brings together nearly 200 works spanning over 130 years, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and traditions of Australia's indigenous peoples.
At its core, this show is a testament to the power of storytelling through art. Each piece, from intricate bark paintings to thought-provoking video installations, tells a story that resonates deeply with the viewer. The exhibition's title pays homage to the cosmological teachings of Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, a renowned Yolŋu artist whose works feature a unified field of crosses and white dots.
YunupiŪ's "Garak (The Universe)" (2008) stands out as a masterpiece, its negative star clusters arranged in an organic way that seems to pulse with life. The use of traditional bark painting techniques creates a sense of vastness and interconnectedness, drawing the viewer into a world that is both familiar and yet utterly alien.
Another highlight of the show is Nyapanyapa YunupiŪ's "Gäna (Self)" (2009-2018), an installation that confounds and impresses in equal measure. Using traditional Yolŋu art forms, YunupiŪ creates a sense of self-discovery that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
But what truly sets this exhibition apart is its willingness to push boundaries and challenge expectations. The inclusion of Hayley Millar Baker's video "Entr'acte" (2023), which explores themes of rage, grief, and integration with the universe, raises important questions about the relevance of these ideas in modern times.
Similarly, Amrita Hepi's video "Scripture for a Smokescreen, Episode 1 – Dolphin House" (2022) is a game-changer. Using choreography to explore the 1960s NASA-funded project to communicate with dolphins, Hepi creates a work that is both deeply personal and cosmically expansive.
As we gaze upon these incredible works of art, we are reminded that Indigenous culture is not just a footnote in the history books, but a living, breathing tradition that continues to evolve and thrive today. "The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" is an exhibition that will leave you starstruck – and eager to learn more about the incredible stories behind these works of art.
The show runs at the National Gallery of Art through March 1, 2026.
The National Gallery of Art has just unveiled a remarkable exhibition that shines a light on the often-overlooked world of Australian Indigenous art. "The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" brings together nearly 200 works spanning over 130 years, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and traditions of Australia's indigenous peoples.
At its core, this show is a testament to the power of storytelling through art. Each piece, from intricate bark paintings to thought-provoking video installations, tells a story that resonates deeply with the viewer. The exhibition's title pays homage to the cosmological teachings of Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, a renowned Yolŋu artist whose works feature a unified field of crosses and white dots.
YunupiŪ's "Garak (The Universe)" (2008) stands out as a masterpiece, its negative star clusters arranged in an organic way that seems to pulse with life. The use of traditional bark painting techniques creates a sense of vastness and interconnectedness, drawing the viewer into a world that is both familiar and yet utterly alien.
Another highlight of the show is Nyapanyapa YunupiŪ's "Gäna (Self)" (2009-2018), an installation that confounds and impresses in equal measure. Using traditional Yolŋu art forms, YunupiŪ creates a sense of self-discovery that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
But what truly sets this exhibition apart is its willingness to push boundaries and challenge expectations. The inclusion of Hayley Millar Baker's video "Entr'acte" (2023), which explores themes of rage, grief, and integration with the universe, raises important questions about the relevance of these ideas in modern times.
Similarly, Amrita Hepi's video "Scripture for a Smokescreen, Episode 1 – Dolphin House" (2022) is a game-changer. Using choreography to explore the 1960s NASA-funded project to communicate with dolphins, Hepi creates a work that is both deeply personal and cosmically expansive.
As we gaze upon these incredible works of art, we are reminded that Indigenous culture is not just a footnote in the history books, but a living, breathing tradition that continues to evolve and thrive today. "The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" is an exhibition that will leave you starstruck – and eager to learn more about the incredible stories behind these works of art.
The show runs at the National Gallery of Art through March 1, 2026.
this exhibition is like a dream come true for anyone who's ever looked up at the stars and wondered about the universe 
the way they've woven indigenous knowledge into these artworks is so beautifully complex, like a spider's web of stories and meanings 
it's not just about the art itself, but about the people and traditions behind it - the ways in which they see the world and their place in it. i mean, who needs facts when you can learn through stories told on canvas? 
The way it showcases Aussie Indigenous art is so underrepresented in the mainstream, but this show is totally changing that. I mean, have you seen those bark paintings? Mind blown 
They're like nothing I've ever seen before.
. just a bunch of old art, right? like, i get that it's supposed to be important and all that, but can't we just watch some documentaries or something instead of paying good money to look at pictures on a wall? also, what's with the fancy video installations? just gonna make me dizzy 
. and don't even get me started on the price of tickets... 
feels like they're charging us an arm and a leg just to gaze at some bark paintings 
.
I'm utterly fascinated by the way this exhibition weaves together the threads of Australian Indigenous art, storytelling, and cosmology. The selection of nearly 200 works spanning over 130 years is truly remarkable, offering a nuanced understanding of the complexities and richness of indigenous cultures. 
. We should be proud of our own heritage, not just trying to educate others about ours 
. Still, I guess that's progress for you.
cant wait to check out the show when its on in march 
also the video installations are on point! didnt expect to see dolphins in space tho 
. seriously though its awesome to see indigenous culture getting the recognition it deserves. gotta spread the word about this amazing exhibit 2 all my friends!!!
. What I love about this exhibition is how it brings together different mediums and styles, showcasing the diversity of indigenous Australian culture. I mean, who knew that bark paintings could be so futuristic? 
The way they incorporate traditional techniques with modern media is pure genius! 
. but what's the real agenda here? who's behind this exhibition? 
It's like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders.
i mean think about it, we're just starting to see these incredible works of art pop up in major galleries and museums - it's only a matter of time before they become a staple of the art world. and let's be real, these artists aren't just making art for the sake of it, they're telling stories that need to be told, about their people, their culture, and their connection to the land 
. Like, what's being done to support these artists and communities beyond just showcasing their work? Are we really seeing the full picture here? And don't even get me started on how many non-Indigenous people are getting to experience this exhibition – are they being included in the conversation or is it still a 'white savior' situation? 
.
Okay, I guess I'm just saying that while I appreciate the effort, we need to be careful not to tokenize Indigenous culture without actually doing the hard work of understanding and addressing the systemic issues that have been holding them back for centuries 
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. This show is proof that Indigenous culture is not just a footnote in history, but a living, breathing part of our collective present 
. It's like they're just showcasing a bunch of "stars we don't see" (see what I did there?) and calling it an exhibition. Where are all the talks? The workshops? The actual community engagement?
, but it's just a bland title that doesn't do justice to the complexity of Indigenous art and culture. Where's the nuance? The depth?