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Marlene Gilson and Naminapu Maymuru-White to exhibit as part of the Biennale Arte 2024

Today, La Biennale di Venezia announced the participation of Marlene Gilson and Naminapu Maymuru-White as part of Foreigners Everywhere – Stranieri Ovunque, curated by Adriano Pedrosa.

The two First Nations artists will present significant bodies of work, Saturday 20 April – Sunday 24 November, supported by Creative Australia investment.

Reclaiming history and overturning colonial narratives, Marlene Gilson is inspired by her Wathaurung heritage. Infusing her works with rich narratives and spiritual ties to her ancestral land in Victoria, Gilson’s art recontextualises history and showcases her deep connection to Country.

Known for her historic role as one of the first Yolŋu women taught to paint miny’tji (sacred creation clan designs), Naminapu Maymuru-White‘s fluid and unrestrained compositions showcase her as a highly unique and innovative figure in Yolŋu art.

Gilson and Maymuru-White will join Archie Moore and Ellie Buttrose in Venice as the artist and curator commissioned by Creative Australia to exhibit at the Australia Pavilion. The title and themes of Archie’s work will be announced soon.

Image Credits:
1. (Left) Marlene Gilson, Courtesy of the artist and Martin Browne Contemporary.
2. (Right) Marlene Gilson, Building the Stockade at Eureka, 2021, acrylic on linen, 100 x 120 cm, Private Collection, Sydney.
3. (Left) Naminapu Maymuru-White portrait, 2023, photography Dave Wickens.
4. (Right) Naminapu Maymuru-White, Installation view of Bark Ladies: Eleven Artists from Yirrkala from 17 December 2021 to 25 April 2022 at NGV International, Melbourne. Photography Tom Ross.