Three First Nations women artists honoured at Alcaston Gallery

Alcaston Gallery in Naarm/Melbourne has launched its inaugural Beyond the Paradigm: Aspirational First Nations Artists exhibition series, paying homage to the enduring legacies of three iconic First Nations women artists. Running from February 5 to March 8, 2025, the exhibition features rare and significant works from the estates of Noŋgirrŋa Marawili, Kumanytjayi (Eileen) Napaltjarri and Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori.

Marawili (c.1939–2023) was a senior Yolŋu artist renowned for integrating natural earth pigments with recycled print toner, aligning with her Madarrpa philosophy of using the land to paint the land. In 2018, the Art Gallery of New South Wales honoured Marawili with a major solo exhibition and accompanying publication, spanning the artist’s career.

Napaltjarri (1956–2024) was a senior Pintupi artist and a pivotal second-generation figure in the Western Desert art movement. Her refined minimalist style and rich colour palette reverberated on her canvases, as she used a bold linear geometry to depict her father’s Country.

Finally, Gabori (c.1924–2015) captured the essence of her homeland, Bentinck Island, with expressive brushstrokes and vivid palettes. A master of composition and colour, her practice was deeply transformative to the national and international perception and appreciation of Australian landscape painting. She had a major solo survey exhibition at Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporian in Paris, France in 2022 and at the Triennale Milano, Italy in 2023.

These artists, celebrated for their mastery of composition, colour, and innovation, have been deeply transformative for Australian contemporary art. This landmark exhibition reaffirms Alcaston Gallery’s commitment to celebrating First Nations art.

Visitors can view the exhibition at Alcaston Gallery’s William Street space, with works from all three artists available to explore and purchase. For more information, visit alcastongallery.com.au.