The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art

Upcoming Exhibition

October 18, 2025 – March 1, 2026

Mark your calendar for this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of modern and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and design.

This eye-opening exhibition introduces North American audiences to the diverse and distinct visual iconographies of Indigenous Australia, which is made up of more than 250 distinct Indigenous nations. Explore this rich and living history of creativity through over 200 works made by more than 130 artists. Drawn exclusively from the collection of Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria, The Stars We Do Not See offers a rare opportunity to experience some of the most significant examples of modern and contemporary Australian Indigenous art. Charting watershed moments in Indigenous art from the late 19th century to the present, this exhibition reveals a rich history of creativity that predates the arrival of the British.

See the work of trailblazing painters including Anmatyerr superstar Emily Kam Kngwarray and Senior Yolŋu artist Gulumbu Yunupiŋu (after who the exhibition is titled) along with contemporary innovators Brook Andrew, Destiny Deacon, and Betty Muffler. Witness Australian Indigenous art in all its forms, from ochre bark paintings and experimental weavings to immersive sound and video art and powerful photographs.

Emily Kam Kngwarray (Anmatyerr), Anwerlarr Anganenty (Big Yam Dreaming), 1995, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Presented through The Art Foundation of Victoria by Donald and Janet Holt and family, Governors, 1995. © The Estate of Emily Kam Kngwarray / Copyright Agency, Australia 2023

Birmuyingathi Maali Netta Loogatha, Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori, Warthadangathi Bijarrba Ethel Thomas, Thunduyingathi Bijarrb May Moodoonuthi, Kuruwarriyingathi Bijarrb Paula Paul, Wirrngajingathi Bijarrb Kurdalalngk Dawn Naranatjil, Rayarriwarrtharrbayingathi Mingungurra Amy Loogatha (Kaiadilt), Dulka Warngiid, 2007, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased with funds donated by Catherine Allen, Carolyn Berger and Delma Valmorbida, 2007. © Birmuyingathi Maali Netta Loogatha; Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori; Warthadangathi Bijarrba Ethel Thomas; Thunduyingathi Bijarrb May Moodoonuthi; Kuruwarriyingathi Bijarrb Paula Paul; Wirrngajingathi Bijarrb Kurdalalngk Dawn Naranatjil; Rayarriwarrtharrbayingathi Mingungurra Amy Loogatha / Copyright Agency, Australia 2023

Mick Wallangkarri Tjakamarra (Kukatja/Ngalia), Old Man's Dreaming on Death or Destiny, 1972. synthetic polymer paint on composition board, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria with the assistance of North Broken Hill Ltd, Fellow, 1987. © The Estate of Mick Wallangkarri Tjakamarra, licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency / Copyright Agency, Australia

Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu (Gumatj), Gäna (Self), 2009–2018, earth pigments on stringybark (Eucalyptus sp.), National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Mary and Lou Senini Bequest, 2018. © The Estate of Ms N. Yunupiŋu, courtesy of Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala

Wingu Tingima (Pitjantjatjara), Minyma Tjuta (Seven Sisters), 2006, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased with funds donated by Supporters and Patrons of Indigenous Art, 2006. © Wingu Tingima / Copyright Agency, Australia 2023

Brook Andrew (Wiradjuri/Ngunnawal), Sexy and Dangerous, 1996, printed 2005, computer-generated color transparency on transparent synthetic polymer resin, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Purchased with funds from the Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2005. © Brook Andrew / Copyright Agency, Australia 2023

Timothy Cook (Tiwi), Kulama, 2012, earth pigments on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Robert Martin Bequest and NGV Supporters of Indigenous Art, 2019. © Timothy Cook / Copyright Agency, Australia 2023

Jakayu Biljabu, Yikartu Bumba, May Chapman, Nyanjilpayi Nancy Chapman, Doreen Chapman, Linda James, Donna Loxton, Mulyatingki Marney, Reena Rogers, Beatrice Simpson, Ronelle Simpson, Muntararr Rosie Williams (Manyjilyjarra), Ngayartu Kujarra, 2009, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Felton Bequest, 2011

Alec Mingelmanganu (Wunambal), Wanjina, 1980, earth pigments and natural binder on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased from Admission Funds, 1990. © The Estate of Alec Mingelmanganu, licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency / Copyright Agency, Australia

Organization
Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and the National Gallery of Victoria, in association with the Denver Art Museum, the Portland Art Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the Royal Ontario Museum.

The exhibition is curated by Myles-Russell-Cook, former senior curator of Australian and First Nations art, National Gallery of Victoria and current artistic director & CEO of the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. At the National Gallery of Art, the exhibition is coordinated by E. Carmen Ramos, chief curatorial and conservation officer, and Lynn Matheny, deputy head of interpretation and curator of special projects.

Other venues
Denver Art Museum, Colorado, April 19–July 26, 2026
Portland Art Museum, Oregon
Peabody Essex Museum, Massachusetts
Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto

Sponsors
Bank of America is the North America Tour Sponsor for the exhibition.

Major support has also been provided by the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation and Lugano.

Passes
Admission is always free and passes are not required

Banner detail: Emily Kam Kngwarray (Anmatyerr), Anwerlarr Anganenty (Big Yam Dreaming), 1995, synthetic polymer paint on canvas, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Presented through The Art Foundation of Victoria by Donald and Janet Holt and family, Governors, 1995. © The Estate of Emily Kam Kngwarray / Copyright Agency, Australia 2023