Indigenous art from various global communities is experiencing an unprecedented surge in exhibitions across UK galleries and museums, following its significant presence at the 2024 Venice Biennale. This includes diverse works from Australia, South America, US, and Europe, with artists like Archie Moore and Mataaho Collective receiving top accolades. The movement highlights the art's deep cultural meaning, its role as a tool of resistance, and its connection to land custodianship and survival against colonial subjugation and climate change.
‘A young fella like me doesn’t want to make traditional paintings’: how Indigenous art swept the UK
Indigenous artArt and designArtIndigenous AustraliansCultureTurbine HallTate ModernDe La Warr Pavilion
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Indigenous art from various global communities is experiencing an unprecedented surge in exhibitions across UK galleries and museums, following its significant presence at the 2024 Venice Biennale. This includes diverse works from Australia, South America, US, and Europe, with artists like Archie Moore and Mataaho Collective receiving top accolades. The movement highlights the art's deep cultural meaning, its role as a tool of resistance, and its connection to land custodianship and survival against colonial subjugation and climate change.
Trending- 1 1970s: Aboriginal art and dot painting style began gaining wider art world attention.
- 2 2024: Venice Biennale, themed 'Foreigners Everywhere,' celebrated Indigenous art, boosting its global recognition.
- 3 Last year (2024): Gina Rinehart attempted to remove Vincent Namatjira's portrait from National Gallery of Australia.
- 4 Earlier this year (2025): Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith died.
- 5 July 2025: Tate Modern to host first major solo show by a First Nation Australian artist (Emily Kam Kngwarray); Shows by Amazon and Argentina artists at Whitworth and De La Warr Pavilion; Duane Linklater show opens at Camden Art Centre.
- 6 October 2025: Sámi artist Máret Ánne Sara to take over Turbine Hall at Tate Modern.
- 7 November 2025: Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith exhibition due to open at Fruitmarket in Edinburgh.
- Increased global attention and recognition for Indigenous art
- Indigenous artists gaining top art accolades
- Art serving as a tool for resistance and cultural affirmation
- Highlighting threats to Indigenous lands and cultures
What: Indigenous art from South America, Australia, US, and Europe is being widely exhibited across the UK. The 2024 Venice Biennale significantly boosted its global recognition. Artists are using art as a tool of resistance and to affirm existence, connect to land, and address political and environmental issues.
When: Recently; 2024 (Venice Biennale); July (Tate Modern, Whitworth, De La Warr Pavilion, Camden Art Centre); October (Tate Modern Turbine Hall); November (Fruitmarket in Edinburgh); 1970s (Aboriginal art started making waves); Last year (Gina Rinehart portrait controversy); Earlier this year (Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith died).
Where: UK (London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bexhill-on-Sea), Venice (Italy), South America (Amazon, Argentina, Peru), Australia, US (Montana), Europe (Norway), Canada (Ontario, northern Canada).
Why: The 2024 Venice Biennale, themed 'Foreigners Everywhere,' significantly celebrated Indigenous art, bringing it to wider Western audiences. Indigenous artists use their work to communicate deep cultural knowledge, affirm identity, resist colonial subjugation, address political issues, and highlight environmental threats.
How: Galleries and museums across the UK are hosting numerous exhibitions. Artists employ diverse styles, from traditional dot paintings to satirical portraits and minimal installations. The art communicates cultural knowledge, political messages, and connections to ancestral lands.