This Month
New York disappointment sharpens focus on next Indigenous art auction
Lacklustre results at Sotheby’s Aboriginal Art auction in the US last month have raised questions about the impact on prices at a Sydney sale next month.
May
NW Shelf extension confirms Labor’s gas conversion
The Albanese government’s decision to extend the life of Woodside’s massive North West Shelf project signals Labor’s embrace of gas as key to the energy transition.
Sotheby’s bets on New York demand for Indigenous art
Several works by Emily Kame Kngwarreye headline an auction estimated to bring make than $4.5 million in sales.
April
Why this early Whiteley went from £200 to $1.2m
Two paintings were brought from the young artist in 1961. Last week one sold for almost four times the other.
March
A Canadian estate sale bargain is about to deliver a 200 times return
A wood carving snapped up at an estate clearance for the price of lunch turns out to be something quite rare and valuable.
February
Barry Humphries’ estate tops $9m as NY Indigenous sale returns
The first works to feature in big local auctions are emerging on the back of a blockbuster sale of Barry Humphries’ personal collection in London.
October 2024
Outback-inspired pieces set to go on show at Design Miami fair
Trent Jansen explores Australia’s cross-cultural history through his furniture collaborations with Indigenous artisans.
In New York, a ravishing show of Aboriginal art
The tension between sacred mysteries that must be shielded from outsiders and those that can be revealed animates one of several exhibitions.
August 2024
The surprising home of Indigenous art in Europe
Indigenous art curator Tina Baum is riding a wave of popularity and curiosity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
Art Gallery of NSW welcomes ‘exceptional’ Indigenous art bequest
Former New Zealand media baron Michael Horton has fulfilled the wish that he and his late wife Dame Rosie Horton committed themselves to before her death last year.
April 2024
Indigenous artist wins top prize at Venice Biennale
Indigenous artist Archie Moore has won the Venice Biennale’s Golden Lion, becoming the first Australian to take the top gong.
January 2024
Collectors and wannabes take note: Melbourne Art Fair is where it’s at
A total reboot of the 35-year-old fair is on track to attracting the big money away from its behemoth NSW counterpart, Sydney Contemporary
November 2023
The great Australian artist who rose to fame in just a decade
A trip to the remote desert land known as Utopia gives a glimpse into the life of Indigenous artist Emily Kam Kngwarray, the subject of a new exhibition.
October 2023
‘I use my paintbrush as a weapon’: Vincent Namatjira’s new exhibition
The acclaimed Indigenous artist takes aim at Empire and influence, using broad strokes of humour to skewer his targets.
September 2023
This UK museum put aside the culture wars to return 174 Indigenous artefacts
As three Anindikyakwa women from the Gulf of Carpenteria reclaim 174 artefacts, Manchester Museum looks to set the standard for decolonising its collection.
August 2023
The art fair where ‘armchair investors’ are not welcome (on day one)
Desert Mob has launched the careers of many Indigenous artists, which is why people camp out to be first into the Alice Springs event.
Why the art world is getting so excited about Dylan Mooney
The NGV has already bought 14 works by this 27-year-old legally blind artist, which is fine by him if it helps northern Australia’s seas and islands.
July 2023
Artists rally to keep Klingender show on the road
Tim Klingender may have died in a tragic boating accident last week, but art world luminaries will step up to keep his flag flying at Sydney Contemporary art fair.
June 2023
Why anticipation is running high for the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
Twenty-two years ago at the annual event, acclaimed artist Dorothy Napangardi took home the Telstra Art Award. This year her daughter is hoping to do the same.
His first show was two years ago. Now everyone wants a piece of Shal
A tattooist and punk musician who did not attend art school, Indigenous artist Shaun Daniel Allen is being courted by top institutions and global luxury brands.