Asserting Presence

• Sebastian ARROW
• Maree CLARKE
• Blak DOUGLAS
• Julie GOUGH
• Sandra HILL
• Jason WING

asserting: to state with assurance, confidence, or force; state strongly or positively; affirm; presence: the state or fact of being present, as with others or in a place.

Indigenous artists have always asserted their ongoing identity and presence through their works. The rock art and engraving galleries throughout the landscape attest to this. We have had deep, intrinsic, spiritual, physical, emotional, historical and cultural connection with this country since time immemorial.

Since first contact, Aboriginal and Torres Strait people have never stopped fighting for their Country or for recognition as the first peoples of this land. Indigenous artists today are now reclaiming their cultural rights and ensuring that their stories are driven by them and their communities. By asserting their presence through their art, Indigenous artists give rise to a broader dialogue on our stories and our histories from our perspective.