Australia’s vibrant First Nations art and culture scene is on full display as the National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) opens in Sydney. The significant event, which runs throughout the weekend, brings together over 100 artists from 30 remote Indigenous art centres, offering a unique platform for them to share their creations and stories with a wider audience. This year’s fair coincides with the commencement of NAIDOC Week, a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, history, and culture.

A Journey of Resilience and Artistic Expression

For many participating artists, the journey to Sydney represents more than just a trip; it’s a testament to their resilience and dedication. Kieren Karritpul, an award-winning artist from the Ngen’giwumirri community near Daly River in the Northern Territory, is among those exhibiting. Despite his established reputation, Karritpul admits to feeling a sense of nervousness about presenting his work to a new audience in Sydney for the first time.

Karritpul’s art is deeply rooted in his heritage, drawing inspiration from the traditions of his matriarchs. His screen-printed fabrics often depict ancestral tools and practices, such as the coolamon bag, historically used for carrying food and water during journeys between traditional lands. “It’s about the coolamon bag that my ancestors used to carry food and water in, travelling from Country to Country,” he explained. His artistic lineage is profound, with his great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother all being artists. “I didn’t choose to be an artist, but rather was born to be one,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to continuing this legacy and passing it on to future generations.

The journey for Karritpul and his community has been particularly challenging. Daly River (Nauiyu) experienced its most severe flooding on record in February and March, devastating the local Merrepen arts centre. The floodwaters destroyed prints and rendered screen-printing machinery unusable. Months later, with essential services like electricity and water still disrupted, the artists have been unable to resume their work. “All the artists in the community are asking when the art centre’s going to open, but we can’t do anything,” Karritpul shared. The opportunity to showcase their art in Sydney has provided a much-needed morale boost. “All the artists were sad and upset and thought we couldn’t do any more,” he said. “But bringing everything here to Sydney will make everybody happy to see their work still travelling.”

Curating Connection and Diverse Narratives

The National Indigenous Art Fair is more than just an exhibition; it’s a cultural gathering designed to foster connection and understanding. Bundjalung curator Miah Madden, also known for her acting roles, has curated “The Living Room and Gallery” exhibition at the fair. She highlighted the significant effort artists undertake to attend, with many travelling for hours by car to reach their nearest airport before flying to Sydney. For some, this marks their inaugural visit to the city.

“The opportunity to speak to these artists is sometimes once in a lifetime. These artists don’t come down to the city often, and they have to travel very far to get here, so it’s really special to all be in the one room,” Madden noted. Her exhibition aims to present a diverse array of artistic mediums and styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary works, all reflecting the individual expression of the artists. The exhibition’s design encourages visitors to envision the artworks within a more intimate, home-like setting.

A Desert Palette and Enduring Traditions

Among the featured artists is Selina Kulitja, a respected community leader from the desert community of Docker River. Kulitja, who is affiliated with the Tjarlirli Art Centre on the border of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, learned weaving and painting from her mother and is now passing that knowledge to younger generations. “Our old people teach to keep strong, culture, knowledge, looking after for [the] future,” she stated. Her paintings often capture the distinctive colours of the desert landscape, and she is eager to share the stories behind her art with visitors.

A Thriving Economic and Cultural Hub

First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, the organization behind NIAF, began the event in 2017 with just 11 art centres. Its chief executive, Peter Cooley, a proud Bidjigal man, has witnessed its growth into a prominent standalone fair, attracting both artists and a significant number of visitors. “It’s like a big gathering, we all say hello every year,” Cooley described. “It’s a pretty special cultural event in that regard, a big gathering, mob coming together and just connecting and sharing and just having a good laugh and enjoying ourselves as well.”

A key aspect of the fair’s success is its commitment to supporting artists directly. Cooley confirmed that no commission is charged, ensuring that all sales revenue benefits the artists and their communities. “The economic hub here is enormous and the opportunities and potential for these artists and these communities,” he emphasized. Beyond the art sales, the weekend features workshops, musical performances, and traditional dances, enriching the cultural experience for attendees.

The fair’s timing alongside the 50th NAIDOC Week, themed “50 years of deadly,” adds another layer of significance. For Cooley, this milestone represents “50 years of connection, 50 years of pride and sharing culture and coming together.” Madden echoed this sentiment, expressing her confidence in the power of the art itself to communicate its value and impact, describing the artists and their work as “deadly” – a term signifying excellence and strength within Indigenous culture.

Conclusion

The National Indigenous Art Fair in Sydney serves as a vital platform, not only showcasing the extraordinary talent and diverse cultural expressions of First Nations artists but also highlighting their resilience in the face of adversity. The event fosters economic opportunities, cultural exchange, and a deeper appreciation for the rich artistic heritage of Indigenous Australia, drawing significant crowds and celebrating a profound connection to country and culture.