Atong Atem's first major survey exhibition at NGV in 2026

Atong Atem, an artist from South Sudan residing in Melbourne, is set to showcase her inaugural major solo exhibition titled 'Passage: The Art of Atong Atem' at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 30 October 2026 until 2 May 2027. This retrospective spans ten years of her work, presenting over 65 pieces, including new creations and Australian debuts. Notable works include 'Scars and Constellations' (2024), commissioned by the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, which delves into themes of colonial trade and scarification; the world-premiere wall installation 'As Above', inspired by Dinka dance and Catholic symbolism; 'Banksia' (2021), addressing African and African American convicts of the First Fleet; and the 'Surat' series, which reconstructs ancestral portraits. Thames & Hudson Australia will publish a monograph featuring essays from Jorge M Pérez, Senior Curator at Tate Modern, and Clothilde Morette, Artistic Director at Maison Européenne de la Photographie. NGV Director Tony Ellwood commended Atem for her role in reshaping Australian identity. Her works have been exhibited at prestigious venues including Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, and Fotografiska Shanghai. Atem was also a nominee for the 2025 Prix de La Photo Madame Figaro-Arles at Rencontres D'Arles.