The National Gallery of Australia’s touring exhibition-Of This Earth: Transforming Culture and Country through First Nations Ceramics-is set to arrive at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery in December 2026.
Of This Earth celebrates the breadth of First Nations ceramic practice across Australia-highlighting cultural continuity and contemporary artistic expression through works of art drawn from the national collection. The National Gallery Touring Exhibition brings together more than 29 key works by 28 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to showcase the diverse techniques, narratives and innovations that define the continually evolving medium of clay.
Of This Earth highlights the enduring use of clay by First Nations people from centuries-long cultural practice to modern influences and its impact in contemporary art. The innovative and playful works in the exhibition share stories about culture, Country, Community, ceremony, Ancestors, everyday life and imagination.
Hawkesbury Regional Gallery marks the halfway point of the exhibition’s almost two-year long tour, following it’s display at Cairns Art Gallery in Queensland, and Bay Discovery Centre and Unley Museum and Galleries in South Australia. Of This Earth will then travel to Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, in New South Wales and Yarra Ranges Regional Gallery and Swan Hill Regional Gallery in Victoria.
Tina Baum, Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples, Head Curator, First Nations Art, National Gallery: ‘Of This Earth brings together remarkable ceramics by significant First Nations artists from across Australia. Bold and expressive, these works offer audiences a compelling encounter with contemporary First Nations art.’
Dr Nick Mitzevich, Director, National Gallery: ‘The National Gallery is proud to share Of This Earth with communities around the country. The exhibition highlights the power and imagination of First Nations artists, who continue to transform tradition through contemporary practice. As this exhibition travels across the country, it is reconnecting regional audiences with the richness and diversity of First Nations ceramics held in the national collection.’
Of This Earth is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition supported by the Australian Government through Visions of Australia and National Gallery First Nations Arts Partner Wesfarmers Arts.
Curators:
Tina Baum, Gulumirrgin (Larrakia)/Wardaman/Karajarri peoples, Head Curator, First Nations Art Grace Currey, Barkindji/Kunja peoples, Curatorial Assistant, First Nations Art
Of This Earth opens to the public at Hawkesbury Regional Gallery from Saturday 12 December 2026 to Sunday 17 March 2027. An opening event will be held on Friday 11 December 2026 from 6 – 8pm as part of the Gallery’s summer exhibition program.
Image 1: Billy Bain, Dog Walker (Plan B), 2023, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2024, © Billy Bain
Image 2: Sean Miller, Gamilaroi peoples, How Waan turned Black, 2023, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2025 © Sean Miller
