65,000 years of Australian art
An exhibition celebrating the brilliance and beauty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art while confronting the dark heart of Australia’s colonial history.
A landmark exhibition at the Potter Museum of Art is showcasing the rich tapestry of Indigenous Australian art and culture and is a testament to philanthropy that fosters cultural appreciation.
Curated by Associate Provost and Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton AO, Senior Curator Judith Ryan AM and Associate Curator Shanysa McConville, the exhibition celebrates the brilliance of artists including William Barak, Lin Onus, Yvonne Koolmatrie, Albert Namatjira, Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula, Emily Kam Kngwarray, Trevor Nickolls, Destiny Deacon, Yhonnie Scarce, Rover Thomas, Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Woŋgu Munuŋgurr, Minimini Numalkiyiya Mamarika, Ricky Maynard and Julie Gough.
Curatorial team Associate Curator Shanysa McConville, Senior Curator Judith Ryan AM and Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton AO. Photo by James Henry.
Spanning millennia, it offers a unique glimpse into the world's oldest continuous culture. The more than 400 works featured include rarely-seen art and cultural objects from University of Melbourne collections, 194 important loans from 78 private and public lenders, and six new commissions.
Creating spaces for Indigenous voices
65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art fosters open dialogue about Australia's history.
“The ironic title of this exhibition refers to the belated and reluctant acceptance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art into the fine art canon by Australian curators, collectors, art critics and historians in the last quarter of the 20th century,” says co-curator Distinguished Professor Langton.
65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art celebrates Indigenous art as it is increasingly recognised in galleries and collections around the world – as the greatest single revolution in Australian art.
Installation at 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art. Photo by Christian Capurro.
A community of supporters
The exhibition owes much of its breadth to generous cultural gifts and important collections, some of which have also enriched the University's permanent Indigenous art collection. The Donald Thomson Collection in particular provides invaluable insights into Indigenous cultures across Australia. It was gifted to the University of Melbourne by Mrs Dorita Thomson, Elaine Thomson and Dorita Louise Fergusson Officer, in recognition of their husband and father Professor Donald Thomson OBE.
Principal Supporters Peter McMullin AM and Ruth McMullin have played a crucial role in enhancing the exhibition's educational impact through their support for education materials ensuring that young visitors can engage deeply with the artworks and their cultural significance. These resources, developed in partnership with the University's Ngarrngga project and Indigenous knowledge experts, will continue to serve primary, secondary and tertiary audiences beyond the exhibition's duration. The McMullins’ generous support also enabled the commissioning of six new works by Indigenous artists.
Other notable contributors include Lead Supporters Peter Jopling AM KC and the Erica Foundation, Foundational Supporters Andy and Rainie Zhang and the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, and additional support from Judith and Leon Gorr, Rebecca Hossack, John and Susan Wardle, The Honourable Irene Lawson and Brendan Kissane KC.
The accompanying publication, published in collaboration with Thames and Hudson, was enabled by support from the Gordon Darling Foundation.
A legacy for the future
Through their generous contributions, supporters of 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art are playing a vital role in preserving and celebrating Indigenous cultures, educating the public and fostering a more inclusive understanding of Australia's rich artistic heritage. Their visionary belief is helping to ensure that the stories and artworks of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will inspire, educate and move audiences for generations to come.
65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art is currently open to the public at the Potter Museum of Art, Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm. We encourage you to visit and explore the depth and diversity of Australian art before the exhibition closes on 22 November 2025.
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