HIGH COLOUR is an immersive exploration of local and global Indigenous perspectives on colour.
Inspired by Richard Bell’s 2012 work Colour theory, the exhibition considers the role of colour in creating contemporary interpretations of Indigeneity, as well as the use of colour as a form of categorisation.
HIGH COLOUR brings together First Nations artists belonging to or working in Australia, the Great Ocean region, and North America. For these artists, colour is identity, belonging, history and inheritance.
This is the first exhibition that considers the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ rich First Nations collection within global Indigenous curatorial discourse.
Significant recent acquisitions from the Art Gallery’s collection feature alongside newly commissioned works, including aute (barkcloth) by Indigenous youth at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre, made through the Art Gallery’s Djamu Youth Justice Program with artist Nikau Hindin (Ngāpuhi/Te Rarawa/Ngai Tūpoto).
The free exhibition HIGH COLOUR is on display at at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until the 11th January 2026. The exhibition is at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Naala Naala building Lowe Level 2.
Photos by Ben Apfelbaum
