Opening in Kamberri/Canberra on December 6, the 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain, will see the vision of artistic director, Tony Albert, of the Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji peoples, come to life through 10 multidisciplinary installations by contemporary artists from across Australia.
Albert has brought together emerging and established artists from as far as Erub in the far north-east of Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait to Ntaria/Hermannsburg in Central Australia and Naarm/Melbourne to create ambitious projects responding to the theme of After the Rain.
From large-scale murals and video works to intimate painting and soft sculpture, After the Rain includes projects by Alair Pambegan, Aretha Brown, Blaklash, Dylan Mooney, Hermannsburg Potters, Itja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, and Vincent Namatjira, Jimmy John Thaiday, Naminapu Maymuru-White, Thea Anamara Perkins, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Grace Kemarre Robinya, and Warraba Weatherall.
Building upon existing relationships cultivated over many years, Albert has been working closely with the exhibiting artists to challenge them to produce their most ambitious works to date. These projects celebrate inter-generational legacies and cultural warriors of the past, present and future – representing rebirth, cycles of cleansing and new beginnings.
Albert said After the Rain is "about new beginnings and looking to the future, while recognising the past".
"These 10 projects are ambitious and bring together diverse voices that honour culture, challenge systems and reimagine our shared future," he said.
"It has been a privilege to work alongside these talented artists and friends to see these projects begin to come to life, and I cannot wait for the official unveiling at the National Gallery this December."
Supported by the National Gallery's First Nations Arts Partner Wesfarmers Arts, the National Indigenous Art Triennial is vital to the Gallery's and Wesfarmers Arts' shared commitment to elevating First Nations voices through art. The presentation of After the Rain in Kamberri/Canberra will be celebrated with a publication and an exciting program of events, with a national tour to follow.
National Gallery director Nick Mitzevich said the National Indigenous Triennial is an important recurring exhibition for First Nations creatives.
"The National Indigenous Triennial is an important recurring exhibition of First Nations art in Australia, offering a crucial platform for contemporary First Nations voices. After the Rain will present 10 ground-breaking projects that speak to resilience, imagination and cultural strength," he said.
"Under the direction of one of the country's foremost contemporary artists, Tony Albert, this summer's Triennial will elevate First Nations perspectives and inspire audiences to reflect on our country's history, present and future."
Beginning with a breakthrough mural by Aretha Brown and concluding with a Blaklash-takeover presentation of First Nations design, fashion and art, visitors to After the Rain will journey through several projects.
The National Indigenous Art Triennial is made possible through the continued generosity of the National Gallery's First Nations Arts Partner Wesfarmers Arts and key philanthropic supporters.
The 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain is on display in Kamberri/Canberra from the 6th of December 2025 – 26th of April 2026.
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