Bark Salon is a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing more 160 First Nations bark paintings from the NGV Collection, now on display within the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia’s dedicated First Nations galleries, Wurrdha Marra,
Inspired by European salons, this display subverts traditional norms, celebrating Australian Indigenous creativity and diversity. Spanning eight decades, the exhibition features works from leading artists, including Barrupu Yunupiŋu and Nonggirrnga Marawili.
The salon-style presentation allows viewers to trace the evolution of bark painting, from radical experimentation to abstraction and innovative mediums.
Bark Salon emphasizes women’s contributions to the medium, a strength of the NGV Collection. Traditional ochre pigments and modern acrylics bring vibrant expressions of land, sea, and air to life.
The exhibition explores the profound connection between Indigenous artists and their Country. Key works include:
- Naminapu Maymuru-White’s Milŋiyawuy (River of Stars), 2020
- John Mawurndjul’s Mardayin design at Mukkamukka, 2003
- Ms Noŋgirrŋa Marawili’s Lightning in the rock, 2015 Featuring artists from Yirrkala, Melville Island, Ramingining, Elcho Island, Kalumburu, and Maningrida,
Bark Salon offers a unique perspective on Australian art history. This thought-provoking exhibition challenges traditional European salon norms, highlighting the significance of First Nations art and culture.
Wurrdha Marra is the NGV’s dynamic and ever-changing collection space dedicated to displaying masterpieces and new works from the NGV’s First Nations collection. Wurrdha Marra means ‘Many Mobs’ in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language and is the name bestowed upon this gallery space by the Wurundjeri Council.
Bark Salon is on display from 12 October 2024 at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Fed Square. Entry is FREE. For further information, please visit the NGV website: NGV.MELBOURNE
