A Dazzling Glimpse into Australia's Ancient Spirit: "The Stars We Do Not See" at the National Gallery of Art
The latest exhibition at Washington's National Gallery of Art is a resounding testament to the enduring power and mystique of Australian Indigenous art. "The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" presents nearly 200 works from a period spanning over a century, drawing on the National Gallery of Victoria's collection. This groundbreaking show marks the largest presentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art ever exhibited outside Australia.
At its core, the exhibition is an immersive journey through the rich spiritual traditions of Australia's oldest inhabitants. Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, known as "Star Lady," serves as a guiding force behind the title, whose cosmological teachings are reflected in works like "Garak (The Universe)" – abstract compositions that evoke a sense of unity and interconnectedness. The intricate designs on these bark paintings seem to reverberate with an otherworldly energy, transporting viewers to a realm where the boundaries between self and universe dissolve.
One of the exhibition's highlights is the installation "Gäna (Self)" by Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, which harnesses the power of traditional Yolŋu cosmology to create an immersive experience. By incorporating bark paintings, hollow log coffins, and choreographed movement, the artist masterfully subverts our expectations, leaving us lost in a sea of meaning.
The show also showcases the work of contemporary artists like Hayley Millar Baker and Amrita Hepi, whose bold explorations of identity, grief, and connection with the universe serve as a powerful counterpoint to traditional Indigenous practices. "Entr'acte" (2023) is a stunning video that distills the human experience into a fleeting, yet profound, moment of transition from rage to grief, while "Scripture for a Smokescreen, Episode 1 – Dolphin House" (2022) offers a fascinating meditation on the intersection of technology and spirituality through its exploration of NASA's ill-fated project to communicate with dolphins.
For an audience largely unfamiliar with Indigenous Australian traditions, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with a rich cultural heritage that has been overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream art circles. By embracing these works on their own merits, without the weight of preconceptions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between people, land, and the universe.
"The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" runs at the National Gallery of Art through March 1, 2026. Don't miss this chance to experience one of the most significant exhibitions of its kind in recent history.
The latest exhibition at Washington's National Gallery of Art is a resounding testament to the enduring power and mystique of Australian Indigenous art. "The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" presents nearly 200 works from a period spanning over a century, drawing on the National Gallery of Victoria's collection. This groundbreaking show marks the largest presentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art ever exhibited outside Australia.
At its core, the exhibition is an immersive journey through the rich spiritual traditions of Australia's oldest inhabitants. Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, known as "Star Lady," serves as a guiding force behind the title, whose cosmological teachings are reflected in works like "Garak (The Universe)" – abstract compositions that evoke a sense of unity and interconnectedness. The intricate designs on these bark paintings seem to reverberate with an otherworldly energy, transporting viewers to a realm where the boundaries between self and universe dissolve.
One of the exhibition's highlights is the installation "Gäna (Self)" by Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu, which harnesses the power of traditional Yolŋu cosmology to create an immersive experience. By incorporating bark paintings, hollow log coffins, and choreographed movement, the artist masterfully subverts our expectations, leaving us lost in a sea of meaning.
The show also showcases the work of contemporary artists like Hayley Millar Baker and Amrita Hepi, whose bold explorations of identity, grief, and connection with the universe serve as a powerful counterpoint to traditional Indigenous practices. "Entr'acte" (2023) is a stunning video that distills the human experience into a fleeting, yet profound, moment of transition from rage to grief, while "Scripture for a Smokescreen, Episode 1 – Dolphin House" (2022) offers a fascinating meditation on the intersection of technology and spirituality through its exploration of NASA's ill-fated project to communicate with dolphins.
For an audience largely unfamiliar with Indigenous Australian traditions, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with a rich cultural heritage that has been overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream art circles. By embracing these works on their own merits, without the weight of preconceptions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between people, land, and the universe.
"The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art" runs at the National Gallery of Art through March 1, 2026. Don't miss this chance to experience one of the most significant exhibitions of its kind in recent history.
. It's like, super important that we recognize and celebrate our cultural heritage, especially when it comes to things like spirituality and connection with nature 
. The fact that this exhibit is helping to break down barriers and challenge people's expectations about what's "mainstream" in art is a major win 
. I'm also loving the way the show highlights both traditional practices and contemporary artists pushing boundaries – it's all about embracing the complexity of Indigenous Australian culture 
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I'm low-key obsessed with this new exhibit "The Stars We Do Not See". The way they're showcasing Indigenous Aussie art is everything! It's like, we don't often get to see this side of Australian culture, and it's so rich & beautiful 
. The Star Lady, Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, is a total inspiration – her cosmological teachings are mind-blowing 
. It's like, this whole new world of meaning & connection opens up when you see it in person 
. Don't miss out on this exhibit – it's a total must-see! 
so its like the exhibition is trying to show us that aussie indigenous art isnt just about stick paintings and didgeridoos but has a whole spiritual aspect to it like they believe the universe is connected and stuff 
what im wondering tho is how many ppl actually know about this rich cultural heritage of aussie indigenous art and if its being represented properly in museums and exhibitions?
i mean, have you seen the way they use color and texture on those bark paintings? it's like nothing i've ever seen before 
it's like a spiritual experience or something 
! i mean, i've always been fascinated by Aussie Indigenous art but never had the chance to see it in person. this show is like, literally a treasure trove of knowledge and spirituality, right? gulumbu yunupiŋu sounds like such an amazing artist and her teachings are soooo interesting 
. i'm also low-key obsessed with nyapanyapa yunupiŋu's installation "Gäna (Self)" - it sounds like a total game-changer for our understanding of indigenous cosmology 
But is it really necessary? I mean, have we seen so many similar shows before? 