Current Exhibition

Tarnanthi Talent

Warning: Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander viewers of this exhibition, particularly from the artists’ communities, are warned that this display contains names and images of deceased persons which may cause distress.

Immerse yourself in some of Australia’s most prestigious and dynamic Australian Indigenous contemporary artists in honour of Tarnanthi Festival 2019. This Festival is an annual celebration showcasing contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at its best and boldest.

The University Library has teamed up with the Art Gallery of South Australia to highlight festival artists and their forerunners. The word ‘Tarnanthi’ (pronounced tar-nan-dee) comes from the language of the Kaurna people, the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains. It means to come forth or appear – like the sun and the first emergence of light.

In this display, located on Level 1 of the Barr Smith Library, print books and exhibition catalogues have been selected from the University Library’s Rare Books & Special Collections and the Indigenous knowledge’s collection Yaitya Ngutupira to shine a light upon the breadth and depth of diverse and prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary art and artists.

The library display is open to the public during Barr Smith Library opening hours, until Tuesday 26 November.

For further enquiries, please contact the Indigenous Support Librarian.

Tarnanthi is presented in partnership with BHP and with the support of the Government of South Australia.

Photo credit: Ngupulya Pumani, Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara people, South Australia, born 1948, Mimili, South Australia, Antara, 2018, Mimili, South Australia, synthetic polymer paint on linen, three panels; © Ngupulya Pumani/Mimili Maku Arts.