A spokesperson says---
"...This extensive exhibition introduces visitors to the breadth and depth of contemporary art by artists from the world’s oldest continuous living culture."
"Through a rich display of masterpieces—many of which have never left Australia—The Stars We Do Not See traces pivotal moments in Indigenous Australian art from the late 19th century to the present."
"The exhibition introduces audiences to Indigenous Australian contemporary art practice, including the conceptual map paintings of the Central and Western Deserts, ochre bark paintings, and experimental weavings. It also highlights the work of new-media artists, who build on tradition with groundbreaking works in neon, video, and photography."
"Highlight works never shown in North America include Emily Kam Kngwarray’s monumental painting, Anwerlarr Anganenty (Big Yam Dreaming) (1995).... At over nine by twenty-seven feet, this ... painting from the NGV collection represents the underground network of roots and yams."
"The exhibition's title is inspired by the late senior Yolŋu artist Gulumbu Yunupiŋu (1943–2012), who became known as “Star Lady.” Her intricate works, a selection of which will be featured in the exhibition, use crosses to represent the stars we can see and a dense network of dots to symbolize the stars we cannot see—the unseen expanse of the universe."
"Urban-based contemporary artists working in new media are represented throughout the show, with key works by influential artists such as Brook Andrew, Richard Bell, Reko Rennie, and Maree Clarke. Included are Christian Thompson’s Burdi Burdi (Fire Fire) (2021), a four-channel sound installation and Destiny Deacon’s Snow Storm (2005), which explores how Aboriginal material culture has historically been presented in clinical, museological environments."
"Through diverse art forms—from ochre bark paintings and weavings to modern and contemporary sound and video installations—visitors will explore key Indigenous Australian concepts like Country and Dreaming. Interpretation will focus on making Indigenous knowledges and ideas accessible, helping visitors understand what might appear to Western audiences as abstract patterns are complex visual maps layered with cultural knowledge, stories, and law."
"The exhibition emphasizes the living nature of Indigenous Australian art and culture.... By highlighting the artists’ exploration of sovereignty, land rights, and ties to community and ancestors, the exhibition will encourage visitors to recognize that Indigenous Australian art is simultaneously ancient and contemporary, serving as a powerful expression of identity and a vital vehicle for the transmission of cultural knowledge and practice..."
