'After the Rain': Artists announced for 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial

Phoebe Blogg Published April 11, 2025 at 9.30am (AWST)

arts

5th National Indigenous Art Triennial artistic director Tony Albert. (Image: National Gallery of Australia)

Contemporary First Nations artists from across the country will present 10 new immersive projects for After the Rain at December's 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial.

After the Rain will feature 10 large-scale, multi-disciplinary installations which celebrate inter-generational legacies and cultural warriors of the past, present and future.

The commission features projects by Alair Pambegan, Aretha Brown, Blaklash, Dylan Mooney, Hermannsburg Potters, Itja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre, Vincent Namatjira, Jimmy John Thaiday, Naminapu Maymuru-White, Thea Anamara Perkins, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and Grace Kemarre Robinya, and Warraba Weatherall.

Built upon existing relationships cultivated over many years, artistic director, leading contemporary Australian artist and Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji man, Tony Albert, has been working closely with exhibiting artists, challenging them to produce their best work to date and inviting them to respond to the exhibition title, which for Albert represents rebirth and new beginnings.

*Tony Albert with Conversations with Preston: Christmas Bells, 2020-21, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2021. (Image: supplied)*

Albert said the new installation will create an immersive experience unlike any other.

"For the Triennial, I made the conscious decision to work with artists to commission fewer projects, on a more expansive scale, and challenge everyone to come and sit, and think – resonate, or respond – to where I am sitting and thinking," he said.

"These incredibly talented artists are working on ten exciting new installations that will create an immersive experience unlike any other, and I can't wait to bring them together for After the Rain."

*Yarrenyty Arltere Artists in their studio with Tony Albert. Courtesy Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Mparntwe/Alice Springs. (Image: supplied)*

Albert said the Triennial brings together commissioned work by both established and emerging First Nations artists from across Australia, creating an important platform for art and ideas.

"The Triennial is vital to the Gallery's and Wesfarmers Arts' shared commitment to elevating First Nations voices through art. The presentation of After the Rain in Kamberri/Canberra will be celebrated with a publication and an exciting program of events, with a national tour to follow," he said.

*Gumbaynggirr artist Aretha Brown. (Image: supplied)*

National Gallery director, Dr Nick Mitzevich, said Albert has brought together a compelling and talented line up of artists which are strong in both their storytelling and artistic capabilities.

"They are fearless in their storytelling, using contemporary art making to deepen understanding of First Nations cultures," Dr Mitzevich said.

"After the Rain promises to showcase the diversity and power of contemporary First Nations art to audiences across Australia through the exhibition in Kamberri/Canberra and its national tour."

The 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain is made possible through the continued generosity of the National Gallery's First Nations Arts Partner, Wesfarmers Arts and key philanthropic supporters.

After the rain is a free exhibition on display at the National Gallery in Kamberri/Canberra from 6 December 2025 – 26 April 2026.

Following the presentation at the National Gallery, After the Rain will tour nationally from 2026 – 2028.

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