ABORIGINAL BUSH TRADERS
WHAT'S ON
exhibition
Dreaming Tracks
Philly’s work traces the Dreaming tracks across the land, revealing the sacred stories, places, and creation sites that define his heritage. These works serve as personal and collective remembrance, illustrating how Country and its spirit are inseparable. Through his art, Philly invites viewers to experience the living essence of his culture and its profound connection to the land, offering a glimpse into a world where Dreaming and Country coexist in an unbroken,ever-evolving flow.
exhibition
New Horizons
Darrikardu Art Collective supports Artists from Communities around the Thamarrurr Region in the Northern Territory, including Wadeye, Nganmarriyanga (Palumpa), Peppimenarti, Nganambala (Emu Point), Wudikapildyerr, Merrepan Homelands, Nemarluk, Nama and Wudapuli.
Creative talent in these remote areas have limited market access, the Collective aims to break these barriers by providing a platform for artists to showcase, sell their work and amplify their voices, stories and talents from this culturally diverse and vibrant heartland of Australia.
exhibition
Dalay 2025
ABTs annual stock show, showcasing work from ABTs collection.
exhibition
Three Generations
Works exploring culture and country by three artists from Merrepen Arts, Daly River.
installation
Nawern Mimih (lots of Mimih)
A collection of carved Mimih spirits from Maningrida Art and Culture.
exhibition
Hayden Jinjair Wilson ‘Stories of Ngudaniman’
“My paintings represent stories
and lessons taught to me by my Grandmothers and their brothers who I call my Kawu mob”.
Karungkarni Arts
Pop-Up Exhibition
Karungkarni Arts once again suffered flood damage in 2024 with ABT taking several artworks for safe-keeping. It was the opportunity for a Pop-Up for the Art Centre and a chance to share their latest work with ABT visitors.
workshop
BOOKED OUT
A free event at ABT in the lead up to NAIDOC Week, hosted by Yalarrinya Fitzpatrick from Yala Wear.
exhibition
Ntang - Edible Seeds
Works from Artists of Ampilatwatja. Their work is unique and recognisably distinct from other Aboriginal communities. Their paintings pay homage to the significance and use of traditional bush medicine and various aspects of Aherrenge Country.
Exhibition
Yawulyu Jukurrpa
An exhibition exploring dreaming stories by female artists of Warnayaka Arts at Lajamanu.
exhibition
Jukurrpa
A selection of acrylic works on canvas from Warlukurlangu Artists at Yuendumu.
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Dalay: Monsoon Season
Showcasing work ABT has in-store. This exhibitions highlights some amazing work ABT has purchased from Top End and Central Desert artists.
exhibition
Benit-Ba, Palngurn, Daluk (Womens Textiles).
This exhibition focuses on pieces from Larrakia country, Wadeye and Maningrida this exhibition is a display of fabrics, homewares and clothing showcasing Indigenous women's designs.
Exhibition
Warnindilyakwa - Anindilyakwa People
A showcase of artworks and fabric garments from Anindilyakwa Arts Bush Dye Collection.
Colours from Country: Fibre.
Following on from ABTs previous exhibition Colours of Country: Ochre, this show features statement woven mats from Arnhem Land.
exhibition
Atnangkerre; Ankerre, Arnkerrthe.
My Country; Emu and Thorny Devil Lizard Dreaming. Utopia Region. This is the first solo exhibition from Jacinta Numina Waugh. This show explores dreaming stories taught to Jacinta during her childhood spent with elders on country.
Exhibition
Mardoowarra (Fitzroy River)
Suffering catastrophic flooding in January, Mangkaja Arts are slowly getting back on their feet. Through this exhibition ABT hopes to share the work of these amazing artists and raise some much needed funds. Below you can see their flooded studio and works from the show.
Exhibition
Raypiny Dhawu
ABT shares works from Bula'Bula Art Centre in Raminigining. Art Centres are often the heart of remote communities and at times the only source of income for local artists.
Exhibition
Yipu Jangkarni - Big Rain
Following the recent flooding Kalkarindji, artists reflect on water and rain and its effects on culture and country. Pictured below is Narelle Morris, an Arts Worker at Karungkrni Arts with her husbands work, Dylan Japangardi Miller Poulson, Ngapa (Water Dreaming). Other works left to right are from, Leah Yinpingali Leaman, and Daniel Kngwarrye Palmer.
Exhibition
We live by the seaons, the wet to the dry.
A series of new works from Kieren Karritpul, Marita Sambono and Nola Jimarin
exhibition
Papuranjuwi Mamirnikuwi Nginingawula Jilamara
Strong Tiwi Women, Our Painting, Our Stories.
This exhibition showcases the work of eight female artists from Munupi Arts on Melville Island (Tiwi Islands). Their work focuses on country, ceremony and body painting designs.
Exhibition
Gwarkabah
Shaun Lee, Gwarkabah (Saltwater Man) is a Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri contemporary freelance artist born and raised in Darwin. Shaun started painting as a young boy, learning from his large artistic family, and is now known by his artist name Hafleg. This exhibition showcases large canvas works featuring country and the animals and spirits that inhabit it.
Exhibition
Nawern yahwuyahwurd dolobbo
Lots of little barks were produced at Maningrida Art and Culture during the pandemic. A time when they could not be sold to visiting tourists. ABT has now been lucky to showcase these. Varying from emerging to established artists, the show has been a huge success, allowing these artists to now sell their works.
Featured Artists: Marshella Nanguwerr, Cameron Kawurlkku, Rosina Gunjarrwaga, Sandra Richards, Seymour Wulia, Deborah Wurrkidj, Charlie Nanguwerr and Francis Rankin. Maningrida Arts and Culture.
Exhibition
Mandjabu
Mandjabu is the word for fish trap in Kunwinjku, the language of the people from Injalak Arts at Gunbalanya. This exhibition showcased their iconic fibre works, from large ornamental fish traps to woven animals and dilly bags.
exhibition
Nan's Everlasting Memories
In her first solo show, Celina Lloyd reflects on her Nan's memories as a member of the Stolen Generation. Using handmade paper, she explores these stories through her painting craft and etching.
EXHIBTION
This show featured fibre works made from pandanus and bush dyes. Through this work, artists tell the stories of creation, and 'Gurrutu', how their ancestors travelled the land, creating the landscape and everything associated with it, how all things are connected.
Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts
Gapuwiyak Art and Culture is located in a remote community set on the shore of Lake Evella. A relatively new enterprise the Art Centre was incorporated in 2007. It aims to support local Yolgnu people to keep their art and culture alive, express their identity and develop economic independance.
The Art Centre Model
Art Centres are community orientated places that offer artists and arts workers employment. They are often the central point for jobs in community. They are places for creativity and experimentation, not only in art making but also Aboriginal business management, leadership and cross cultural engagement.
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Desert to Darwin
With tourism to the red centre suffering due to COVID lockdowns, ABT brought some desert works to Darwin.
exhibition
Colours from Country - Ochre
The first exhibition to be held at the new ABT space. This show featured artworks all created with ochre, a naturally occuring pigment.
New Location
Aboriginal Bush Traders Cafe & Gallery
The ABT board and team are thrilled to announce the opening of the brand new gallery and cafe on the ground floor of the Charles Darwin Centre (opposite Tourism Top End). Come in and visit, view the opening exhibition ‘Colours from Country: Ochre’ and grab a coffee.