Since the early 1980’s, Janet Holmes à Court has been an avid collector of the art of the First Nations people of Australia. That is, of artistic expression grounded in thousands of years of culture that defines and powerfully resonates with the spirit of this country. First Nations art is expressive of ancient traditions, of indigenous cosmology and connection to country. Described as a “rich and sacred resource”, the quality and quantity of indigenous Australian artworks in the Janet Holmes à Court Collection is simply breathtaking.
Collection Focus | Indigenous Art marks the first of a series of annual exhibitions focusing on specific aspects of the Janet Holmes à Court Collection. This year’s focus is indigenous art acquired over the last four years, representing seven language groups and seventeen indigenous artists. The works are derived from such regions as the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (aka APY), Martu, Kimberley, Roebourne, Warburton, Irruntju and Yuendumu lands. The exhibition attests to an ongoing, wide-spanning interest in First Nations art as the pre-eminent contemporary art of Australia.
Artists
Sandy Aileen, Biddy Bunawarrie, Elsie Napanangka Granites, Michelle Lewis, Queenie McKenzie, Natasha Nakamarra Oldfield, Matilda Oxtoby, Melissa Sandy, Lea Taylor, Curtis Taylor, Tjunkaya Tapaya, Edwin Ward, Kaye Warrie, Julie Renita Woods.
For enquiries, interviews, further information and images available for reproduction, contact Laetitia Wilson, P. +61 8 6217 2641 or email [email protected]
Title Image : Renita Woods, Minyma Kutjara – Special Story for Irrunytju, 2020, (detail), copyright of the artist
