Aboriginal art
Sally Gabori Dibirdibi country 2010, Art Gallery of New South Wales, purchased with funds provided by the Aboriginal Collection Benefactors Group © Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori, licensed by Viscopy, Sydney
The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ collection of Indigenous Australian art is one of the broadest in the country.
Begun in the 1950s, it is renowned for bark paintings from Arnhem Land, many of which were donated by Dr Stuart Scougall in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Over the years there have been other significant donors, including Emeritus Professor Harry Messel.
Almost one-third of the works acquired for the collection since 1992 have been through the generosity of Mollie Gowing, who supported an acquisition fund for contemporary Aboriginal art.
As the work of contemporary Indigenous artists becomes more sought after and important early art in private collections is released, the ACB plays an increasingly vital role in helping the Art Gallery enrich this significant collection. Recent ACB-funded acquisitions include paintings by Fred Ward Tjungurrayi and Mabel Juli, a video work by Michael Riley and Destiny Deacon and prints by Jean Baptiste Apuatimi.
During the year, the ACB organises various activities for patrons, including curator-led tours of the Art Gallery’s Indigenous art exhibitions.
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