‘My Country’
I Still Call Australia Home: Contemporary Art from Black Australia
Jun 2013 -
Oct 2013

'My Country, I Still Call Australia Home: Contemporary Art from Black Australia' is the Gallery's largest exhibition of contemporary art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to date. The exhibition examines the strengths of the Gallery's holdings and explores three central themes — presenting Indigenous views of history (My history), responding to contemporary politics and experiences (My life), and illustrating connections to place (My country).
From paintings and sculptures about ancestral epicentres to photographs and moving-image works that interrogate and challenge the established history of Australia, to installations responding to political and social situations affecting all Australians, the thread that binds these artists is their collective desire to share their experiences and tell their stories.
'My Country' ran from 1 June to 7 October 2013 at GOMA.
Feature image: A view of Arthur Koo-ekka Pambegan Jr's Flying Fox Story Place 2002–03, installed at the entrance to 'My Country', GOMA, July 2013 / © Estate of the artist / Photograph: M Sherwood, QAGOMA
Collection artworks featured in ‘My Country’

Annie Ah Kee 2008
- AH KEE, Vernon - Creator

Annie Ah Sam 2008
- AH KEE, Vernon - Creator

Bella Ami 2008
- AH KEE, Vernon - Creator

neither pride nor courage 2006
- AH KEE, Vernon - Creator

Tall Man 2010
- AH KEE, Vernon - Creator

Sorry 2008
- ALBERT, Tony - Creator

The Island V 2008
- ANDREW, Brook - Creator

I didn't do it 2002
- BELL, Richard - Creator

Scratch an Aussie 2008
- BELL, Richard - Artist
- HOWARD, Suzanne - Director

Untitled 1991
- BENNETT, Gordon - Creator

Kirriwirri 2011
- BILLYCAN, Jan (Djan NANUNDIE) - Creator

Phillip's landing 1988
- CAMPBELL Jr, Robert - Creator

Mukurtu 2010
- CHAPMAN, Nancy Nyanjilpayi - Artist
- CHAPMAN, May Maywokka - Artist
- MARNEY, Mulyatingki - Artist
- YATES, Marjorie - Artist

Crystal 2009
- COLE CHOCKA, Bindi - Creator

Frederina 2009
- COLE CHOCKA, Bindi - Creator

I forgive you 2012
- COLE CHOCKA, Bindi - Creator

Seventy Times Seven 2011
- COLE CHOCKA, Bindi - Creator

Civilised #1 2012
- COOK, Michael - Creator

Civilised #2 2012
- COOK, Michael - Creator

Civilised #6 2012
- COOK, Michael - Creator

Civilised #10 2012
- COOK, Michael - Creator

Civilised #13 2012
- COOK, Michael - Creator

Civilised #14 2012
- COOK, Michael - Creator

Kulama 2012
- COOK, Timothy - Creator

Tutini 2011
- COOK, Timothy - Artist
- PURUNTATAMERI, Patrick Freddy - Carver

Tutini 2011
- COOK, Timothy - Artist
- PURUNTATAMERI, Patrick Freddy - Carver

Tutini 2011
- COOK, Timothy - Artist
- PURUNTATAMERI, Patrick Freddy - Carver

Matinee 2003
- DEACON, Destiny - Artist
- FRASER, Virginia - Collaborating artist

Bomber aircraft headdress 2000
- ESELI, James - Creator

Fighter aircraft headdress 2000
- ESELI, James - Creator

Badtjala woman 1994
- FOLEY, Fiona - Artist
- WEIGHT, Greg - Photographer

Black velvet 1996
- FOLEY, Fiona - Creator

The Oyster Fishermen #1 2011
- FOLEY, Fiona - Creator

The Oyster Fishermen #3 2011
- FOLEY, Fiona - Creator

The Oyster Fishermen #9 2011
- FOLEY, Fiona - Creator

The Oyster Fishermen #10 2011
- FOLEY, Fiona - Creator

The Oyster Fishermen #11 2011
- FOLEY, Fiona - Creator

The Oyster Fishermen #13 2011
- FOLEY, Fiona - Creator

The Oyster Fishermen #15 2011
- FOLEY, Fiona - Creator

The Oyster Fishermen #16 2011
- FOLEY, Fiona - Creator

Unnamed 2009
- HARDING, D - Creator

Mission days 2002
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Creator

Pmere (My country) 1996
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter

Pot: (Ant on climbing plant) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter

Pot: Cows 2000
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter

Pot: Footy (Lions vs Bombers) 2004
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter

Pot: Mission days 2005
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter

Pot: Reelpa (Drovers) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter

Rubbing salts 2006
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- ENTATA, Irene Mbitjana - Potter

Pot: Eeritja (Eagles) 1997
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- HUDSON, Noreen Ngala - Potter

Pot: Lorikeets 1996
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- HUDSON, Noreen Ngala - Potter

Pot: Pmere Nuka (My country) 1994
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- HUDSON, Noreen Ngala - Potter

Pot: Pmere Nuka (My country) 1994
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- HUDSON, Noreen Ngala - Potter

Ntaria Garage 2007
- INKAMALA, Clara - Potter
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop

Pot: Ilia (Emu) 2002
- INKAMALA, Clara - Potter
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop

Pot: Eeritja (Eagle) 2001
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- INKAMALA, Judith Pungkarta - Potter

Pot: Enalaunga (Echidna) family 2004
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- INKAMALA, Judith Pungkarta - Potter

Pot: Kangaroo 1996
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- INKAMALA, Judith Pungkarta - Potter

Pot: (Bush orange) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- KENNEDY, Esther - Potter

Owl 1996
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- NAMATJIRA, Elaine - Potter

Pot: Eerarnta (Black cockatoo) 2000
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RONTJI, Carol - Potter

Pot: Tompa (Perentie) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- UNGWANAKA, Rahel - Potter

Pot: (Butterfly) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RONTJI, Lindy - Potter

Sand dunes at Papunya 2007
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RONTJI, Lindy - Potter

Arrkarma (bloodwood apple) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Katjirra (bush tomato, over-ripe) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Kupaarta urnma (bush plums, ripe) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Kupaarta arnka ngrra (bush plums, ripening) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Langkwa (bush banana) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Latjia (pencil yam) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Lupa (wattle seed) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Mpaltjarta (wild orange) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Ngaraaka (bush bean) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Paraltja lerop (red river gum leaf) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Pmurlpa (quondong) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Rraatninga (wild passionfruit) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Taltjakurla (mulga apple) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Tjaapa tnyamaatja (witchetty grubs) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Tjankana (mistletoe berry) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Tjurka (bush fig) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Urrarlpa (native tomato in hilly habitats) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Yalka (wild onion) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Yirrampa (honey ant) (from 'Bush tucker' series) 2009
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Koprillia Day at Hermannsburg 2007
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Pot: Kuparda (Bush plum) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- RUBUNTJA, Rona - Potter

Ankarta (Frill-necked lizard) 2005
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- UNGWANAKA, Rahel - Potter

Owl 2005
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- UNGWANAKA, Rahel - Potter

Pot: Kookaburras 2004
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- UNGWANAKA, Rahel - Potter

Pot: Tompa (Perentie) 2002
- HERMANNSBURG POTTERS - Pottery workshop
- UNGWANAKA, Rahel - Potter

Defy 2010
- HOOKEY, Gordon - Creator

Bradman bowled Gilbert 1989
- HURLEY, Ron - Creator

Water Dreaming 1994
- JANGALA, Abie - Creator

L.H.O.O.Q. ERE! 2001
- JONES, Dianne - Creator

Jones's picnic 2001
- JONES, Dianne - Creator

Brenda's wedding 2001
- JONES, Dianne - Creator

Marranyji and Dinal 2004
- JULI, Mabel - Creator

Seven Sisters 1989
- ATLEY, Peter - Creator

All Blacks 2005
- KING, Adrian - Creator

Wenlock Outstation 2001
- KING, Adrian - Creator

Dingo 2002
- KOOMEETA, Craig - Creator

Ku' (Camp dog) 2010
- BELL, Jack - Creator

Ku' (Camp dog) 2010
- KOOMEETA, Craig - Creator

Ku' (Camp dog) 2010
- MARPOONDIN, David - Creator

Sitting ku' (camp dog) 2009
- MARPOONDIN, David - Creator

Ku' (Camp dog) 2009
- NAMPONAN, Garry - Creator

Ku' (Camp dog) 2010
- NAMPONAN, Garry - Creator

Yellow-patched camp dog 2006
- NAMPONAN, Garry - Creator

Small ku' (camp dog) 2010
- WIKMUNEA, Keith - Creator

Ku' (Camp dog) 2010
- YUNKAPORTA, Roderick - Creator

Pearling days 2002
- LAIFOO, Joey - Creator

Makarrki - King Alfred's Country 2008
- LOOGATHA, Birmuyingathi Maali Netta - Artist
- GABORI, Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally - Artist
- THOMAS, Warthadangathi Bijarrba Ethel - Artist
- MOODOONUTHI, Thunduyingathi Bijarrb May - Artist
- PAUL, Kuruwarriyingathi Bijarrb Paula - Artist
- NARANATJIL, Wirrngajingathi Bijarrb Kurdalalngk Dawn - Artist
- LOOGATHA, Rayarriwarrtharrbayingathi Mingungurra Amy - Artist

A captive audience 2005
- MELLOR, Danie - Creator

Whether you like it or not 2005
- MELLOR, Danie - Creator

Basket 2010
- MYE, Charlotte - Creator

Basket 2010
- MYE, Charlotte - Creator

Basket 2010
- MYE, Charlotte - Creator

Basket 2010
- MYE, Charlotte - Creator

Basket 2010
- MYE, Charlotte - Creator

Artist's Country 1995
- NAMPITJIN, Eubena - Creator

Wild yam 1998
- JAGAMARA, Kumantje - Creator

Coral church 2002
- RICHARDS, Cornelius - Creator

Goonyah 2002
- RICHARDS, Cornelius - Creator

Initiation 2002-03
- RICHARDS, Cornelius - Creator

Melbidir 2002
- RICHARDS, Cornelius - Creator

Rio Loge 2002
- RICHARDS, Cornelius - Creator

Yarrabah celebrates 2002
- RICHARDS, Cornelius - Creator

cloud (portfolio) 2000
- RILEY, Michael - Creator

Sacrifice (portfolio) 1993
- RILEY, Michael - Creator

Tjinytjira 2006
- ROBERTSON, Arthur Tjatitjarra - Creator

Rabbit Proof Fence 2010
- SAMSON, Dadda - Artist
- SAMSON, Judith (Anya) - Collaborating artist

Deaths in custody 1993
- SERICO, Vincent - Creator

Wakulyarri Jukurrpa (Rock Wallaby Dreaming) 1987
- SPENCER, Jimija Jungarrayi - Collaborating artist
- NELSON, Paddy Jupurrurla - Collaborating artist

Yanjilypiri Jukurrpa (Star Dreaming) 1987
- NELSON, Paddy Jupurrurla - Collaborating artist
- SPENCER, Larry Jungarrayi - Collaborating artist

Punu wara 2010
- STEWART, Kunmanara - Creator

Wilkinkarra 2006
- SUNFLY, Pauline Nangala - Creator

Mimpi 2011
- SURPRISE, Wakartu Cory - Creator

Stranded 2011
- THORNTON, Warwick - Creator

Wanampi Tjukurpa 2010
- TIGER, Kunmanara - Creator

Kuyku Garpathamai Mabaig 2007
- TIPOTI, Alick - Creator

Poyarri 1988
- TJAMPITJIN, Sunfly - Creator

Umari Dreaming site 1983
- TJANGALA, Uta Uta - Creator

Kakan (Baskets) 2002
- WALKER, Wilma - Creator

Sea of Plenty 2010
- WARE, Moilang (Rosie) - Creator

Shipwrecks 2010
- WARE, Moilang (Rosie) - Creator

The Queen & I 2011
- WATKIN, Douglas - Director/script writer
- THYER, Lucas - Producer
- OLIVE, SM (Shawn) - Artwork

memory bones 2007
- WATSON, Judy - Creator

sacred ground beating heart 1989
- WATSON, Judy - Creator

Ngayuku ngura (My country) Puli murpu (Mountain range) 2012
- WILLIAMSON, Kunmanara - Artist
- WILLIAMSON, Nita - Collaborating artist
- ARMSTRONG, Suzanne - Collaborating artist

Tutini (Pole) 2005
- WONAEAMIRRI, Pedro - Creator

Tutini (Pole) 2005
- WONAEAMIRRI, Pedro - Creator

Tutini (Pole) 2005
- WONAEAMIRRI, Pedro - Creator