Always was, always will be.

A Together In Art Pocket Exhibition curated by Erin Vink

3 June is Mabo Day and, as we commemorate the extraordinarily courageous efforts of Eddie Koiki Mabo to overturn the notion that his Country on Mer (Murray Island) was terra nullius (land belonging to no one), we should also champion all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have battled for land rights, and those who empower and inspire each other. Today we recognise your long history of caring for Country, your resilience, and your survival.

Erin Vink is assistant curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Uploaded image

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/media/uploads/artsets/2020_06/SID77996.jpg

AGNSW collection Ricky Maynard Wik Elder, Gladys 2000

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/150.2002.1/

AGNSW collection Bobby West Tjupurrula Kiwirrkura land claim painting 2001

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/203.2007/

AGNSW collection Carlene West Tjitjiti 2014

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/49.2016/

AGNSW collection Djambawa Marawili AM Lorr 2015

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/53.2016/

AGNSW collection Kunmanara (Mumu Mike) Williams, Kunmanara (Willy Muntjantji) Martin, Sammy Dodd Ngura (Country) 2017

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/329.2017.a-c/

AGNSW collection Mervyn Bishop Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hands of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari, Northern Territory 1975, printed 1999

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/58.2000/

Always was, always will be.

By Together In Art