Story perspectives

NGV's “Mother” Exhibition Explores Family, Indigenous Voices Across Centuries

5/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Gallery of Victoria in Australia opened the exhibition “Mother” recently.
Co-curators Sophie Gerhard and Katharina Prugger framed it around a mother’s life-cycle.
The entrance pairs Giovanni Toscani’s 15th-century Madonna with Elizabeth Birritjama Ngalandjarri’s 1998 birth mat.
Featured works include Kate Just’s 2012 “An Armour of Hope” and Kyra Mancktelow’s 2021 “One Continuous String”.
First Nations pieces such as Destiny Deacon’s 1987 “Home Video” and Hannah Brontë’s “Eye Hear U Magik” appear.
Visitors report the show reminds them of their own families, sparking personal resonance.
The exhibition runs at the Ian Potter Centre until July 12, 2026.

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Story summary

The National Gallery of Victoria in Australia opened the exhibition “Mother” recently.
Co-curators Sophie Gerhard and Katharina Prugger framed it around a mother’s life-cycle.
The entrance pairs Giovanni Toscani’s 15th-century Madonna with Elizabeth Birritjama Ngalandjarri’s 1998 birth mat.
Featured works include Kate Just’s 2012 “An Armour of Hope” and Kyra Mancktelow’s 2021 “One Continuous String”.
First Nations pieces such as Destiny Deacon’s 1987 “Home Video” and Hannah Brontë’s “Eye Hear U Magik” appear.
Visitors report the show reminds them of their own families, sparking personal resonance.
The exhibition runs at the Ian Potter Centre until July 12, 2026.