The Potter Museum of Art presents “Ngarn Wa’ngal: Art of the gum tree”, where visitors will explore this iconic tree as a source of creative inspiration branching across centuries of artistic practice.
A defining feature of the Australian landscape, the gum tree breathes through collective imagination, connection to the land and shapes personal and cultural identities. Translating as ‘breathing for us’ in Woi Wurrung, Ngarn Wa’ngal celebrates the deep cultural and ecological significance of the eucalypt. Over three floors, this expansive exhibition brings together colonial, twentieth century and contemporary works, sparking broader conversations about identity, sovereignty, climate and continuity.
Drawing from the University of Melbourne’s collections alongside significant local and interstate loans, Ngarn Wa’ngal features over 160 works including commissions by Jane E. Brown, Dean Cross, megan evans, Janet Laurence and Jazz Money.
Curated by Alisa Bunbury, Senior Curator of the Grimwade Collection at the University of Melbourne, and Guest Curator Sophie Gerhard.
- Wendy Hubert, Wirlumarra (ghost gum), 2024. © Wendy Hubert/Copyright Agency.