For this exhibition at Australian Galleries, Coo-ee Art Gallery has sourced works from local and international private collections and remote Aboriginal art communities, showcasing the very best the movement has to offer, including a number of major masterpieces.

"The story of the modern Aboriginal art movement is one of the most exciting and transcendent chapters in the history of contemporary Australian art. Within the space of just 50 years Indigenous artists have transformed the perception of their culture from something of strictly ethnographic interest into one of the worlds most dynamic contemporary art movements.

Today, high quality polymer paints, imported Belgian linen and the finest art papers are as likely to be used as materials gathered from the immediate environment. From its origins in rock painting, body art, ceremonial regalia, low relief sand sculpture and utilitarian objects, Aboriginal material culture has moved into the shrines of contemporary art and significant art collections all over the world.

Coo-ee Art Gallery has traversed this terrain for over 30 years and is now the oldest exhibiting Aboriginal art gallery in Australia. The founding Director, Adrian Newstead OAM has worked with revered elders and cultural custodians in the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, the Kimberley, the far reaches of the Tanami Desert and through to the Torres Strait Islands.

Australian Galleries has its own rich history. Since 1956 it has been intimately associated with many of Australias greatest non-indigenous artists including Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Brett Whiteley and Fred Williams. Today, Stuart Purves AM walks in his parents founding footsteps, representing many of Australias most prominent contemporary painters and sculptors.

I am of the opinion that the Australian Aborigine is probably the best artist in Australia. Recently we toured Australia, and the Aboriginal art amazed me. The Aborigine has a wonderful, dreaming philosophy which all Australian artists should have.

Sidney Nolan, 1949

For this exhibition at Australian Galleries, Coo-ee Art Gallery has sourced works from local and international private collections and remote Aboriginal art communities, showcasing the very best the movement has to offer, including a number of major masterpieces."