A new acquisition unlocks a mystery in our Aboriginal Art Collection
The recent acquisition of a rare 1960s bark painting has unveiled a previously unknown artistic lineage in MAGNT's own collection.
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Supporters of
Aboriginal Art
The role of Supporters of Aboriginal Art
Together, the Supporters of Aboriginal Art have raised over $300,000, enabling the acquisition of eight significant Aboriginal art works. This support has been instrumental to the growth of MAGNT’s Aboriginal Art and Material Culture collection.
Drawing on the strengths of the Aboriginal Art and Material Culture collection, MAGNT’s new gallery, opening in 2024, will provide overviews of some of the most significant artistic developments from communities such as Papunya, Hermannsburg, Yirrkala, and the Tiwi Islands, while also providing a space to celebrate each artist’s unique voice and practice.
As we shift our focus towards the new Gallery, it is urgent that we address gaps in the collection. The Gallery provides an unprecedented opportunity to present world-class exhibitions and play a leading role in nurturing and presenting contemporary Australian Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander art.
We will call on the Supporters of Aboriginal Art for their generosity, knowledge and advocacy as we work towards this ambitious and important project.
Aboriginal Art Store tour, 2021.
Djerrkŋu Yunupiŋu (Gumatj, born 1945), I am a Mermaid 2020, earth pigments and recycled print toner on Stringybark. Purchased 2020. Telstra Collection, MAGNT.
MAGNT's Aboriginal Art and
Material Culture collection
MAGNT’s Aboriginal Art and Material Culture collection reflects the richness and diversity of Aboriginal cultures across Northern and Central Australia. It contains works that have an association with Aboriginal groups living across the Northern Territory, with focus on works from the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, and the Western Desert regions.
The ongoing development of this collection focuses on acquiring quality pieces by leading artists and makers with an emphasis on those which relate to the people, history, land and culture of the region of northern Australia.
A cornerstones of the collection is its unique holdings of 1971-72 Papunya paintings from Central Australia. MAGNT holds the largest and most important collection of early Papunya paintings in the world, the age and breadth of which are of national and international significance.
Supporters of Aboriginal Art
John and Jane Ayers *
Candy Bennett
Chris and Biddy Van Aanholt
Peter and Agnès Cooke *
Richard and Harriett England *
Geoff Hassall OAM and Virginia Milson *
Libby Kingdon and Michael Rowe *
Diana Laidlaw AM
Rick and Jan Frohlich
Wendy Pech
Alice and Edward Richardson
Arthur and Suzie Roe *
Michael Sitzler and Terri Layman *
Jude and Jono Tolley
Liz Laverty^
Last updated March 2023
* Founding members
ˆ Honourary member
Donor Program
Acquisitions
The Supporters of Aboriginal Art have contributed to the acquisition of a number of significant works for the MAGNT Aboriginal Art and Material Culture collection. The addition of these works to the collection enable MAGNT to continue to preserve indigenous cultures and celebrate outstanding artists.
Dhambit Munuŋgurr Bees at Gäṉgän 2021.Purchased with funds donated by the MAGNT Supporters of Aboriginal Art, 2021. MAGNT Collection.
Hubert Pareroultja and Mervyn Rubuntja, Through the veil of time 2021. Purchased with funds donated by the MAGNT Supporters of Aboriginal Art, 2021. MAGNT Collection.
Noŋgirrŋa Marawili (Madarrpa, born c.1938, Darrpirra, Northern Territory) Rough gapu, 2020, earth pigments and PVA fixative on Stringybark. Purchased with funds donated by the MAGNT Supporters of Aboriginal Art, 2020. MAGNT Collection.
Barayuwa Munuŋgurr (Djapu, born 1980, Miwatj, Northern Territory) Bones of Wuymirri, 2018, natural pigments on hollow log (stringybark tree), Purchased with funds donated by the MAGNT Supporters of Aboriginal Art, 2019. MAGNT Collection.
Pepai Jangala Carroll (Luritja & Pitjantjatjara, born 1950 Haasts Bluff, Northern Territory) Yumar 2018, Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, Purchased with funds donated by the MAGNT Supporters of Aboriginal Art, 2018. MAGNT Collection.
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Peter Mungkuri (Yankunytjatjara born 1946, Fregon Creek, South Australia) Ngura (Country), 2019, ink and synthetic polymer paint on linen, Purchased with funds donated by the MAGNT Supporters of Aboriginal Art, 2019. MAGNT Collection.
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