Major Exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Opens in Portland
Portland, Ore. (KATU) — This fall, the Portland Art Museum will host the largest exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art ever presented in North America, featuring 147 works by over 100 Indigenous Australian artists.
Exhibition Details:
- Title: The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art
- Opening Date: September 5, 2023
- Duration: Until January 3, 2027
- Organizers: National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne and National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
This exhibition represents the only West Coast presentation of this significant collection, showcasing pivotal moments in Indigenous Australian art from the late 19th century to the present.
Cultural Impact:
Don Urquhart, co-interim director of the Portland Art Museum, expressed the importance of this exhibition, stating it allows the community to connect with the depth and vitality of Indigenous Australian art and culture.
Kathleen Ash-Milby, the museum’s senior curator of Native American art, emphasized the diverse range of works and the emotional and historical depth conveyed through the art.
Featured Works:
The exhibition includes various artistic styles, featuring conceptual maps, ochre bark paintings, and modern digital art. Notable pieces include:
- Emily Kam Kngwarray’s monumental painting “Anwerlarr Anganenty (Big Yam Dreaming)” (1995).
- Christian Thompson’s sound installation “Burdi Burdi (Fire Fire)” (2021).
- Destiny Deacon’s “Snow Storm” (2005), which critiques the presentation of Aboriginal culture in museum settings.
The exhibition aims to make Indigenous knowledge accessible, showcasing how artistic patterns serve as complex visual maps of cultural stories and laws.
Public Programs:
To complement the exhibition, a series of public programs will begin on September 27, including discussions, film screenings, and educational sessions.
For more information on the exhibition and programming, visit the Portland Art Museum’s website.
Sponsors:
The exhibition’s North American tour is supported by Bank of America, aimed at enhancing access to the arts and promoting cultural exchange.
This groundbreaking exhibition represents an invaluable opportunity for visitors to engage with the rich artistic heritage of Indigenous Australian communities.
