The new exhibition The Neighbour at the Gate brings together three First Nations artists and three Asian-Australian artists, presenting commissioned and existing works.
Led by Wardandi (Nyoongar) and Badimaya (Yamatji) woman and senior curator Clothilde Bullen, and Whadjuk Balladong and Wilman Noongar artist and curator Zali Morgan, the world premiere unknits the impacts of colonisation upon First Nations and Asian Australian peoples, highlighting the historical and contemporary parallels of these communities.
Featuring artists include Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay man Dennis Golding, Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri woman Jenna Lee, Malaysian-born artist and educator Jacky Cheng, Iranian-Australian researcher and video artist Elham Eshraghian-Haakansso, Vietnamese born artist James Nguyen, and Nunga (Kaurna Miyurna), Māori (Te Arawa) and European artist James Tylor
Curatorial methodologies brought to bear throguh the Curatoreum focus on connecting often marginalised groups to facilitate conversation and community.
The Neighbour at the Gate questions how immigration is framed in Australia's post-colonial context and how First Nations and Asian-Australian communities navigate identity and belonging in the wake of this convergence of cultural interaction and resistance.
The Neighbour at the Gate is a commissioned exhibition project for the National Art School, proudly supported by the NSW Government through Blockbusters Funding initiative.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a publication, learning and education framework and public program, with further details to be announced in 2025.
Lead curator Clothilde Bullen, shared her thoughts on the new exhibition and its mission to present new dialogues about what it means to be an Australian.
"It is urgent and timely that our Curatoreum offers audiences the opportunity to think deeply about nation-building and our shared histories," Bullen said.
"Working with this significant group of contemporary Australian artists, Micheal, Zali and myself hope to open a narrative and visual pathway that, like a communal feast, invites viewers to sit down and share.
"We hope that The Neighbour at the Gate presents new dialogues about what it means to be an Australian and who we are as a country today."
National Art School head of First Peoples John Waight, said the new exhibition is an important project for the National Art School at a critical time in our nation's history.
"We are pleased to be able to lead the cultural conversation with truth telling at the core of this special project," Waight said.
"The National Art School is proud to produce this significant exhibition curated by an esteemed team of experts who, drawing on cultural mixed heritage and the lived experiences of an incredible collective of contemporary artists, are examining the complex, intertwined histories of connection and marginalisation of First Nations and Asian communities in Australia.
"The school is a champion of art as a medium for education and social engagement, and this exhibition is particularly significant in its mission to teach the public about histories that are often underrepresented in mainstream discourse, providing a platform for critical conversations that challenge us to expand our perspectives on issues of racial and cultural identity and the complexities of belonging."
The National Art School 2025 program also includes Chaosophy, presented from 14 February – 8 March as part of Sydney Mardi Gras.
Curated by Liz Bradshaw, Chaosophy will see a cross-generational group exhibition featuring new and existing works by 12 artists, examining queer experience and resistance through text and performance.
These include leading contemporary artists r e a, Anne-Marie Te Whiu, Victoria Spence, Ali Tahayori, Blake Griffiths, and Justine Youssef, alongside National Art School students Kika Kereru, Frankie Abroon, nikita lelu, Jake Starr, Sam Chan and Magic Bella Young.
From 11 April – 21 June the National Art School will present the 24th Dobell Drawing Prize.
The exhibition will showcase works by 56 contemporary artists selected as finalists for the prestigious $30,000 biennial acquisitive prize celebrating the enduring importance of drawing in contemporary art practice, with a focus on technique and innovation.
The winning work, selected by the judging panel of esteemed experts comprising acclaimed First Nations artist Vernon Ah Kee, Paula Latos-Valier AM, Trustee and Art Director of the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, and Dr Yolunda Hickman, Head of Postgraduate Studies, National Art School, will be announced at the exhibition opening on 10 April.
EXHIBITION DETAILS
Queer Contemporary: Chaosophy
14 February – 8 March 2025 Building 25 Project Space
24th Dobell Drawing Prize
11 April – 21 June 2025
NAS Galleries
The Neighbour at the Gate
11 July – 18 October 2025
NAS Galleries
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
