Facing East installation view, 2023. Courtesy: the artists and D’Lan Contemporary, Melbourne.

It is difficult to imagine that there could be a more urgent time than now to learn the lessons exhibited here from our First Nation artists at Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre. These significant works of art, bark paintings, larrakitj (hollow logs) and visual symphonies of poetic paintings, are brimming with ancient narrative, song and poetry and embody the spiritual connection of all things within nature.

Facing East is a collective breath of life as we face the rising of the sun. It is the embodiment of the Yolŋu philosophy of daily life. It is an honour to be able to present these works of art, and it is a timely moment within history to be able to share these lessons with the world, journeying off the shore of this island of Australia.

As the wisdom of these lessons winds and flows and takes root in the consciousness of all who witness these ancient epic visual poems and songs, we hope that they are received with the wonder and respect and attention that they deserve.