Exploring "The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" at the National Gallery of Art

"The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" is a significant exhibition currently on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. This showcase features nearly 200 works from the National Gallery of Victoria’s collection, representing the largest presentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art ever exhibited outside Australia. The artworks span a period from the late 1800s to the present and aim to illustrate a visual connection among more than 250 nations over 65,000 years of history.

New York Observer

The exhibition is named after the cosmological teachings of Gulumbu Yunupinu (1943-2012), a prominent artist known for her abstract works that reflect the vastness of the universe. Her piece "Garak (The Universe)" (2008) exemplifies this theme with its arrangement of negative star clusters. Another notable work, "Gänä (Self)" (2009-2018) by Nyapanyapa Yunupinu (1945-2021), utilizes traditional bark paintings and hollow log coffins to convey deep cultural narratives.

New York Observer

The exhibition also includes contemporary pieces that challenge traditional representations. For instance, Hayley Millar Baker's video "Entr’acte" (2023) captures a woman's emotional transition, while Amrita Hepi's "Scripture for a Smokescreen, Episode 1 – Dolphin House" (2022) explores the intersection of Aboriginal heritage and modern themes, such as communication with extraterrestrial life.

New York Observer

This exhibition arrives at a time when Indigenous art is gaining recognition in the art world, reflecting a shift in cultural appreciation. Critics note that the inclusion of diverse works, particularly contemporary pieces, invites visitors to engage with the evolving narrative of Indigenous identity and its connection to the universe. The exhibition encourages audiences to step outside their own perspectives and consider the broader implications of these artistic expressions.

New York Observer

The National Gallery of Art has emphasized the educational aspect of the exhibition, highlighting its role in introducing audiences to underrepresented traditions. The gallery's commitment to showcasing such works reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of Indigenous narratives in contemporary art.

New York Observer

While the exhibition has been praised for its breadth and depth, some critics argue that the juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary works may dilute the cultural significance of the former. They suggest that the integration of modern themes could overshadow the historical context that is vital to understanding Indigenous art.

New York Observer

"The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" will be on view at the National Gallery of Art until March 1, 2026. Following its Washington, D.C. run, the exhibition is expected to travel across the United States, further expanding its reach and impact.

New York Observer

• “) The installation confounds and impresses to the point that the self becomes lost.” — Observer Review

New York Observer

• “This exhibition offers work drawn from under-shown traditions but offers even broader context to visitors who take seriously its advice about stepping outside of the self.” — Observer Review

New York Observer