Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art

Book excerpt: The National Gallery of Australia holds the largest collection of Australian Indigenous art in the world. Written by Indigenous authors and curators and other experts in the field, this new book features works of art which highlight the diversity, richness and excellence of the Gallery's collection. They range from rare 19th-century objects, historical and contemporary bark paintings, fabrics, dance masks, and headdresses to contemporary politically charged works by artist working in towns and cities in the 21st century. Frachesco Cubillo is a member of the Larrakia, Bardi, Wadaman, and Yanuwa Nations. She is senior curator Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the National Gallery of Australia. Wally Caruana is an independent curator, author, and consultant on Indigenous Australian art.