The Stars We Do Not See | Denver Art Museum

The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art is the largest exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art ever presented internationally. This landmark exhibition is the product of an unprecedented cultural partnership between the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Denver Art Museum will be its second venue.

Curated especially for North American audiences, the exhibition features artworks by more than 130 artists designed to elicit a sense of awe, while introducing visitors to the art, resilience, and depth of the world’s longest continuous cultures. Through a rich display of iconic masterpieces—many of which have never before left Australia—The Stars We Do Not See charts watershed moments in Indigenous art from the late 19th century to the present.

The exhibition introduces audiences to customary forms and styles in Indigenous Australian art, including the conceptual map paintings of the Central and Western Deserts, ochre bark paintings, and experimental weavings. It also highlights the work of new-media artists, who build on tradition with groundbreaking works in neon, video, and photography.

Colorful patterns of horizontal and vertical lines, map to resemble a top down topographic map — Maggie Napangardi Watson (Warlpiri, c. 1921–2004), *Wititji (Hair String)*, 1997. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Presented through the NGV Foundation by the Harrison Family Trust, Founder Benefactor, 2002 (2002.238). © Maggie Watson/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Narelle Wilson / NGV

Row of upright earth pigments made to resemble tree bark and tree stumps — Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, Gana (Self), 2009–18. Earth pigments on stringybark (Eucalyptus sp.). National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Mary and Lou Senini Bequest, 2018 (2018.1058.1-25). © The Estate of Ms N. Yunupiŋu, courtesy of Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala. Photo: Tom Ross

Abstract artwork of colorful shapes and lines that resemble a top-down view of the map — Tiger Palpatja (Pitjantjatjara c. 1920–2012), *Wati Wanampi Tjukurpa*, 2010. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Purchased in memory of Graeme Marshall with funds donated by Harriet and Richard England and Anne and Ian McLean, 2011 (2011.334). © Tiger Palpatja/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Jeremy Dillon / NGV

Abstract painting of circles and shapes in a swirling repeating pattern — Wingu Tingima (Pitjantjatjara c. 1917–2010), *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 (2006.356). © Wingu Tingima/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Christian Markel / NGV

Black and white swirling lined patterns — Betty Muffler (Pitjantjatjara/Yankunyjatjara, born 1944), *Ngangkari Ngura (Healing Country)*, 2022. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Purchased with funds donated by Barbara Hay and the Hay Family, Rosemary and Nora Merralls,Christopher Thomas AM and Cheryl Thomas, D’Lan Davidson and Rachel Jacobs, Margaret Lodge and Terry Murphy KC, and donors to the 2022 NGV Indigenous Art Dinner, 2022 (2022.872). © Betty Muffler/Copyright Agency, 2024

Colorful block patterns of yellow and bright oranges — Patju Presley (Pitjantjatjara, born c. 1945), *Apanyin*, 2004. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Purchased, 2004 (2004.766). © Patju Presley/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Jeremy Dillon / NGV

Abstract soft swirling shapes and intertwining color — Nora Wompi (Manyjilyjarra/Kukatja, c. 1935–2017), *Kunawarritji*, 2007. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Purchased, NGV Supporters and Patrons of Indigenous Art, 2007 (2007.528). © Nora Wompi/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Selina Ou / NGV

Circular abstract shapes in browns and oranges — Timothy Cook (Tiwi, born 1958), *Kulama*, 2012. Earth pigments on canvas. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Robert Martin Bequest and NGV Supporters of Indigenous Art, 2019 (2019.11). © Timothy Cook/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Nicholas Umek / NGV

Abstract human-like figure with raised shoulders and akimbo legs — Alec Mingelmanganu (Wunambal, c. 1910–81), *Wanjina*, 1980. Earth pigments and natural binder on canvas. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Purchased from Admission Funds, 1990 (O.156-1990). © The Artist/Licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Limited. Photo: Christian Markel / NGV

Tranluscent intertwining strands of white rope-like swirls — Emily Kam Kngwarray (Anmatyerre, c. 1910–96), *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 (1995.709). © Emily Kam Kngwarray/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Christian Markel / NGV

Artwork resembling a picture frame with a patterned border and white center — Jakayu Biljabu (Manyjilyjarra, c. 1937–2022), Yikartu Bumba (Manyjilyjarra, born 1940s); Doreen Chapman (Manyjilyjarra, born 1970s); May Chapman (Manyjilyjarra, born 1940s); Nyanjilpayi Nancy Chapman (Manyjilyjarra, c. 1941–2024); Linda James (Manyjilyjarra, born 1984); Donna Loxton (Manyjilyjarra, born 1970s); Mulyatingki Marney (Manyjilyjarra, born 1941); Reena Rogers (Manyjilyjarra, born 1950s); Beatrice Simpson (Manyjilyjarra, born c. 1966); Ronelle Simpson (Manyjilyjarra, born 1988) Muntararr Rosie Williams (Manyjilyjarra, c. 1943–2012), *Ngayartu Kujarra*, 2009. Synthetic polymer paint on canvas. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Felton Bequest, 2011 (2011.276). © the artists, courtesy Martumili Artists, Newman. Photo: Predrag Cancar / NGV

Barechested Aboriginal man with "sexy and dangeros" written across his chest — Brook Andrew (Wiradjuri/Ngunnawal, born 1970), *Sexy and Dangerous*, 1996, printed 2005. Computer-generated color transparency on transparent synthetic polymer resin artist’s proof ½. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Purchased with funds from the Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2005 (2005.166). © Brook Andrew/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Predrag Cancar / NGV

Collage-like artwork featuring women of different stripes and costumes performing together — Kaylene Whiskey (Yankunytjatjara, born 1976), *Seven Sisters Song*, 2021. Enamel paint on road sign; 47 1/4 x 70 7/8 in.National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Purchased, Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2021 (2021.549). © Kaylene Whiskey/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Predrag Cancar / NGV

Collage featuring the phrase "history repeats" three times — Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku Yalanji, born 1981), *History Repeats*, 2022. Found vintage kitsch objects, timber; 157 1/2 x 43 1/4 in. (variable). National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Purchased with funds donated by Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family, James Farmer and Rutti Loh, Nicholas Smith, The JTM Foundation and Donors to the 2023 First Nations Art Dinner, 2023 (2023.345). © Courtesy of the Artist & Sullivan+Strumpf, Sydney. Photo: Predrag Cancar / NGV

Hanging installation made out of bush cane and textiles — Freda Ali (Burarra-Martay, born 1971), Freda Wayartja Ali (Burarra-Martay, born 1959), Maureen Ali (Burarra-Martay, born 1978), Cecille Baker (Burarra-Martay, born 1980), Michelle Baker (Burarra-Martay, born 1971), Bonnie Burarngarra (Burarra/Yan-nhaŋu, born 1958),Gabriella Garrimara (Burarra-Martay, born 1984), Doreen Jinggarrabarra (Burarra Anbarra, born 1961), Lorna Jin-Gubarrangunyja (Burarra-Martay, born 1952), Indra Prudence (Burarra-Martay, born 1980), Jennifer Prudence (Burarra-Martay, born 1973), Zoe Prudence (Burarra-Martay, born 1990), Anthea Stewart (Burarra-Martay, born 1981), *Mun-Dirra (Maningrida Fish Fence)*, 2023. Pandanus (Pandanus sp.), kurrajong (Brachychiton sp.), bush cane (Flagellaria sp.), jungle vine (Malaisia sp.), natural dyes; 181 x 3937 in. (variable). National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne: Commissioned by the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased with funds donated by Lisa Fox, 2023 (2023.751.1). © The Artists/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Predrag Cancar / NGV

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The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art is organized by the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, in association with the Denver Art Museum, the Portland Art Museum, and the Peabody Essex Museum.

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

This exhibition is curated by Myles Russell-Cook, former senior curator of Australian and First Nations art. At the Denver Art Museum, The Stars We Do Not See is coordinated by John P. Lukavic, Ph.D., the Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Native Arts.

The presentation of this exhibition at the Denver Art Museum is supported by the Birnbaum Social Discourse Project, the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign, and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

Scientific and Cultural Facilities District: We Fund Culture

Header image: Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori (Kaiadilt, c. 1924–2015); Rayarriwarrtharrbayingathi Mingungurra Amy Loogatha (Kaiadilt, born 1942); Thunduyingathi Bijarrb May Moodoonuthi (Kaiadilt, 1929–2008); Wirrngajingathi Bijarrb Kurdalalngk Dawn Naranatjil (Kaiadilt, 1935–2009); Birrmuyingathi Maali Netta Loogatha (Kaiadilt, c. 1942–2022); Kuruwarriyingathi Bijarrb Paula Paul (Kaiadilt, 1937–2021); Warthadangathi Bijarrba Ethel Thomas (Kaiadilt, 1946–2021), 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 (2007.527). © The Artists/Copyright Agency, 2024. Photo: Christian Markel / NGV

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