00:00A celebration of culture, country, ceremony and community.
00:08More than 260 works spanning well over a century.
00:12We challenge these notions of what is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, that it isn't
00:16just the dots that people may be familiar with from Central Australia.
00:20Everpresent has been touring since 2021, travelling to Perth, Singapore and Auckland before arriving
00:28at the National Gallery.
00:29A lot of the larger works couldn't travel overseas, but we're able to showcase them
00:34here today, which is wonderful.
00:37Colonialism and resistance are key themes, with works from the likes of Vincent Namatjira
00:43and Richard Bell.
00:44Truth-telling is a really important part of the healing in this country.
00:48The exhibition also puts emerging artists in the spotlight.
00:52Billy Bayen created this work in his parents' basement during the pandemic.
00:57He never expected it to end up on the national stage.
01:01Career-wise, this is quite easily the biggest moment for me.
01:05Just seeing the work alongside all of your heroes and favourite artists, it's kind of
01:12weird and mind-blowing.
01:13The exhibition includes a number of new acquisitions too, including this wearable art, on display
01:19at the Gallery for the first time.
01:21The collection is ever-expanding.
01:24The exhibition runs until August next year, leaving plenty of time to soak in the sights.
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