Carefully fusing culture with craft, in 2026 the range of multi-talented First Nations artists is far-reaching.

From large-scale murals to global collaborations, First Nations artists are expanding their niche, pushing boundaries and making themselves known.

This month, Style Up has profiled 5 First Nations artists paving the way forward.

From clever designs to organic methods of creation, these artists are proving strong connections to the past coexist with building a bright future.

Jesse Wright (JESWRI)

Known for his large-scale public art and commercial brand collaborations, Jesse Wright is a talented Gadigal artist.

A veteran graffiti writer, art director, designer and illustrator, he currently serves as creative director of Honey Bones Gallery & KWIC, the best-selling NFT project in Australian history.

Wright has collaborated with some of the world's biggest brands, such as Converse, Aston Martin & Bethesda and more. Wright's recent 2025 collaboration with the Australian Open saw the talented creative be commissioned to paint a basketball court for the event, which he noted as a dream come true.

"The Australian Open was actually a bit of a dream come true. I've been living in Naarm for six-ish years. We opened an art gallery and laid down some roots and since then I've seen how much money has gone into this event every single year," he said.

"I've played sports my whole life, rarely have time to watch anything these days, especially with a two year old."

Prone to collaborating with renowned brands, Wright is bound to showcase his next grand project this year.

Otis Carey

As one of Australia's most popular contemporary Indigenous artists and creatives, Otis Hope Carey is no stranger to the spotlight.

The proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist is known for his work, which explores connection, movement, and memory through a deep spiritual relationship with Country.

Carey's art has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and he continues to create powerful works that fuse contemporary expression with cultural continuity.

After recently launching his family-owned design house, Ngaarlu, with his wife, Carey has now gained a new audience in the lifestyle and homewares sector.

Carey and his wife created Ngaarlu with both culture and craft rooted at its core.

"I'm really excited about this project because it's about more than design - it's about purpose. A percentage of each sale will go to Kulai Preschool, an Indigenous not-for-profit early childhood centre where culture is central to learning," Carey told Style Up late last year.

Jade Akamarre

Known for her ultra-modern yet meaningful artworks, Proud Alyawarre artist Jade Akamarre paints with passion.

Utilising a distinctive technique of loosely executed dots in linear patterns, evoking an aerial view of her Country's natural beauty, Akamarre's artwork pays homage to her family and the generations who lived on the land before her.

Akamarre is also the daughter of art dealer, curator and owner of Dreaming Art Centre of Utopia gallery Fred Torres.

Launched in 2015, Akamarre is also the founder of Pwerle Gallery. Her vision for the gallery was to build a platform to promote new ways to engage with art, while also championing Indigenous culture and history.

Since opening the gallery, Akamarre has sought out new ways to bring art and culture to new audiences, including through collaborations such as working with fashion label Aje on a series of Minnie Pwerle prints for the brand's 2018 resort collection, with a percentage of every sale going back into the community.

"As a director and founder of Pwerle Aboriginal Art Gallery, and as an artist, I wear many hats and balancing the two can be very busy and challenging," she said.

Kaylene Whiskey

Recognised as an acclaimed artist known for her vibrant and playful paintings that celebrate contemporary pop culture and Indigenous storytelling.

Born in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Whiskey started working at her local art centre after finishing school, making paintings that incorporated representations of local flora and fauna, as well as traditional bush foods.

Over time, she developed her unique approach to painting, with depictions of pop culture references sitting alongside elements from traditional Anangu culture.

The talented artist uses figures such as Dolly Parton and Tina Turner as well as characters like Wonder Woman, in a celebration of heroic women and the sisterhood.

Having already collaborated with several large-scale brands, organisations and businesses - such as Australian beauty retailer MECCA - Whiskey is set to have a busy yet rewarding 2026.

Reko Rennie

Celebrated for his vibrant designs and unique collaborations, Reko Rennie's range of work is certainly not limited.

Rennie explores his Aboriginal identity through his use of painting, stencilling, sculpture, installation and film. Whilst Rennie grew up in Melbourne, his heritage lies with the Kamilaroi people of northern New South Wales.

Rennie's 2025 collaboration with the McLaren F1 team and Australian-born global financial platform Airwallex, saw the artist design a one-off Artura supercar, on display at Queensbridge Square.

This unique collaboration saw Rennie gain further recognition within both the arts and the broader creative sector.

Always working on several projects, we can't wait to see what Rennie curates in 2026.

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