Emerging Elders

Emily Kam Kngwarreye, Albert Namatjira and Rover Thomas are just some of the many famous Aboriginal people whose works have had a significant impact on the artists’ own communities as well as a huge cultural and aesthetic impact on the arts nationally and internationally.

The recent explosion of diverse styles, designs and various depictions of ancestral stories has further enriched non-Indigenous peoples’ understanding of and exposure to Indigenous culture. This can be seen through the significant rise in interest in Indigenous art in the commercial market.

The artists featured in Emerging Elders are self-taught and have only recently, over the last decade, created and consistently shown their work throughout Australia. Although considered emerging artists, years of personal experience and cultural knowledge inform their work. Their ability to visualise significant stories gives rise to some of Australia’s most dynamic and stunning contemporary works of art.

The works in Emerging Elders are bold and contrasting and they illuminate the individual artists’ culture and individuality. The Gallery recognises the important role Indigenous Elders play in our society and their valuable contribution to the arts, and is honoured to showcase the many diverse but complementary Indigenous works in the national collection. These important works of art will no doubt engage audiences on many different levels.

The image accompanying this listing is credited as follows: Weaver Jack Yulparija people Nannarri 2005 National Gallery of Australia, Canberra Purchased 2006 [courtesy www.nga.gov.au]