previous Exhibitions
PEGGY NAPANGARDI JONES 2016
Alcaston Gallery is delighted to exhibit paintings from our stockroom by Peggy Napangardi Jones (1951 – 20 August 2014).
Napangardi Jones began painting in 1996 at the old 'Pink Palace' in Tennant Creek, Northern Territory after joining the Julalikari CDEP Women’s Arts & Crafts program. I had travelled through Tennant many times and received a phone call in 1996 from a friend and Julalikari staff member inviting me to see “a new artist who was doing something different”.
Driving up the Stuart Highway I was full of trepidation about what I might see, not wanting to disappoint an artist. To my absolute delight, although very raw and experimental, I saw a great artist with enormous potential from the bush of the central Barkly tablelands of the Warumungu people. With an innate sense of placement her paintings of birds, animals, and bush tucker remain as appealing today in their graceful simplicity.
Born at Phillip Creek Station, Napangardi Jones was raised by her mother, a Walpiri woman, and her father, a Warumungu man. She inherited her law from her father which provided rich inspiration for her paintings, together with her vivid memories of travelling in the harsh rocky lands with her family. She never revealed her stories, but rather wanted people just to look at the painting and enjoy it. Napanagardi Jones absolutely loved to paint and through her expressive and colourful artworks she could share her unique view of her world.
Her work is held in important collections and major institutions including National Gallery of Victoria (currently on display at Federation Square Level 3), National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery & Museum of the Northern Territory, Parliament House Collection, Northern Land Council Native Title Collection, The Burkhardt-Felder Foundation Collection, Switzerland and many other major collections worldwide.
Napangardi Jones was represented by Alcaston Gallery for her entire illustrious career. I have wonderful memories of times we spent in her studio in Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, and Melbourne for Christmas and holidays. She was part of our family, and extended Alcaston Gallery family – she loved the Essendon Football club especially Michael Long and Tim Watson. Her vivid artworks always brought joy to collectors and it is a great thrill to be once again exhibiting her vibrant artworks.
- Beverly Knight, 2016
DJAKANGU YUNUPINGU • Djulpan - Heavenly Women
Alcaston Gallery is honoured to present new paintings on bark, timber board and larrkitj poles by Yolngu artist Djakangu Yunupingu in her second solo exhibition Djulpan - Heavenly Women at the Alcaston Gallery Exhibition Space – 84 William Street Melbourne from 5 April – 3 May 2024.
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ALCASTON GALLERY - A CONTINUING CELEBRATION OF WOMEN
In 2024, Alcaston Gallery is once again proud to celebrate and advocate for International Women's Day.
This year's theme is Inspire Inclusion; to inspire a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment; to build a more inclusive world for all women; to invest in women and accelerate progress!
Alcaston Gallery has invested significantly in First Nations women artists - with rewards for the artists, financially and culturally, having a significant rippling effect for their families and ...
Rene Sundown •Ngura Tali - Sand Dune Country
Alcaston Gallery is thrilled to introduce respected senior Yankunytjatjara artist, Rene Sundown, in her debut exhibition with the gallery, Ngura Tali - Sand Dune Country.
Sundown is a senior artist and longstanding director of the Iwantja Art Centre in Indulkana, South Australia, whose practice is dedicated to passing on knowledge to future generations. Having exhibited in important national and international group exhibitions over the past decade, this will be Sundown’s ...
Alcaston Gallery Christmas Gifts Exhibition 2023•Limited edition PRINTS and WORKS ON PAPER
Alcaston Gallery Christmas Gifts Exhibition 2023 presents exceptional works on paper and limited edition prints from over thirty-five years of contemporary Australian First Nations art showcasing a selection of rare and special release works by important artists on exhibition at the Alcaston Gallery Exhibition Space, 84 William Street, Melbourne/Naarm from 29 November until 15 December 2023.
CLAY•Ben McKeown•Karen Mills•Dean Smith
Clay comes from the earth; in its many forms, textures and colours, clay harnesses our world’s enigmatic power, energy, and secret life force.
With its affinity to earth and water, clay is an accumulated matrix of plant, animal, and mineral; wet or dry, white or coloured, this natural material has been used since ancient times in the form of ochre in sacred ceremonies and for medicinal purposes, as well as a strong, pliable matter for utilitarian functions such as building, cooking and creating practical ...
