Witness Australian Indigenous art in all its myriad ingenious forms, from ochre bark paintings and experimental weavings to immersive sound and video art and powerful photographs.

The Australian continent is home to the world’s oldest living culture, dating back at least 65,000 years — over 250 distinct groups survive, each with its own customs, language and art. Showcasing this cultural diversity, The Stars We Do Not See brings together standout pieces from the National Gallery of Victoria’s globally recognized collection of works by Indigenous artists in an unprecedented presentation of First Nations Australian art and design.

Charting watershed moments in Indigenous art from the late 19th century to the present, the more than 200 works made by over 130 artists reveal a rich history of creativity that predates the arrival of the British. See the work of trailblazing painters including Anmatyerre superstar Emily Kam Kngwarray and Senior Yolnu artist Gulumbu Yunupinu (after whom the exhibition is titled) along with contemporary innovators Richard Bell, Maree Clarke and Betty Muffler. Apart from the vibrant illustrations, this volume also includes a foldout map of Indigenous Australia, a glossary, an expansive introductory essay and hundreds of brief texts contextualizing the works presented.

Through both image and narrative, The Stars We Do Not See traces the strength, creativity and resistance of Indigenous peoples, as captured in the extraordinary breadth and depth of their many artistic traditions.

Artists include: Vernon Ah Kee, Tony Albert, Brook Andrew, William Barak, Maree Clarke, Destiny Deacon, Kitty Kantilla, Emily Kam Kngwarray, Tommy McRae, Paddy Compass Namadbara, Jimmy Njiminjuma, Rover Thomas, Christian Thompson, Judy Watson, Yirawala.

Edited by Myles Russell-Cook
Hardback
320 pages
21.5 x 28.5cm