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Ngarn Wa'ngal: Art of the gum tree

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Exhibition Image_NW at Potter - Henry Gritten, The Merri Creek near Dight's Falls c. 1863 (1)

Ngarn Wa'ngal: Art of the gum tree

10 Jul 2026 – 21 Nov 2026


A defining feature of the Australian landscape, the gum tree breathes through our collective imagination, connecting us to this land and shaping our personal and cultural identities.

In Ngarn Wa'ngal: Art of the gumtree, we invite you to explore this iconic tree as a source of creative inspiration branching across centuries of artistic practice.

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.

Image: Henry Gritten, The Merri Creek near Dight's Falls, c. 1863, oil on canvas, The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Purchased through the Russell and Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund.

Gallery Details

Potter Museum of Art
University of Melbourne
Corner Swanston Street and Masson Road
Parkville, Victoria 3010
T: 03 8344 5148
E: potter-info@unimelb.edu.au
W: potter-museum.unimelb.edu.au

Opening Hours
Tuesday - Saturday:  11am to 5pm

Potter Museum of Art is currently closed - Reopening 10 July 2026

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Gallery Info
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The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our office is located, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enduring traditions and continuing creative cultures. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

We are an LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation that celebrates diversity. We are committed to providing safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive services for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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