Ancient Voices, Modern Vision: Yolŋu Power at the Art Gallery of NSW

Yolŋu Power: The Art of Yirrkala

A Landmark Exhibition of Culture and Connection

From 21 June to 6 October 2025, the Art Gallery of New South Wales presents Yolŋu Power: The Art of Yirrkala, a groundbreaking exhibition that brings the strength and spirit of northeast Arnhem Land to Sydney. Featuring the work of Yolŋu artists from the renowned community of Yirrkala, the exhibition showcases one of Australia’s most significant artistic legacies—rich in story, politics, ceremony and deep cultural knowledge.

This major exhibition celebrates the dynamic visual languages of Yolŋu artists, whose practices are rooted in ancient songlines and sacred traditions while also engaging with contemporary life. Visitors are invited to witness a powerful testament to land, law and identity through works that speak across generations.

Art That Speaks Through Generations

The Yolŋu people have long used art as a means of preserving and passing down ancestral knowledge. At the centre of the exhibition are bark paintings, larrakitj (memorial poles), film, sculpture and works on paper that reflect the depth of Yolŋu culture and its ongoing evolution.

Artists featured in the exhibition include celebrated figures such as Mawalan Marika, Galuma Maymuru, and the late Yunupingu, alongside a new wave of younger artists shaping the future of Indigenous expression. Their work reflects a deep relationship with Country, kinship systems and ceremonial law, often conveying complex cultural information in ways both symbolic and visual.

Stories of Resistance and Resilience

The exhibition also explores Yirrkala’s pivotal role in political history. It was from this community that the Yirrkala Bark Petitions emerged in the 1960s, a powerful statement of Indigenous land rights that laid the groundwork for future legal recognition. These original petitions are included in the exhibition, displayed alongside contemporary works that reflect on identity, sovereignty and cultural continuity.

This blend of historical context and contemporary voice gives Yolŋu Power its emotional and intellectual strength. It’s not only a celebration of art—it’s a call to understand, to witness, and to respect.

Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Located on the edge of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden, the Art Gallery of NSW provides a serene and inspiring setting to engage with this significant cultural exhibition. Entry to Yolŋu Power is free, and visitors are encouraged to take their time, reflect deeply, and make use of the educational resources, guided tours and public programs connected to the exhibition.

To plan your visit and find out more, go to: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au

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