Colony

Over 250 years ago, James Cook and his crew sailed the Endeavour to explore the Pacific. In 1770, they reached a continent inhabited for over 65,000 years by diverse Indigenous groups. Cook’s landing began a history that still affects Australia today, highlighting the need for reconciliation.

"Colony" examines the impact of British colonisation in Australia through historical, twentieth-century, and contemporary art. Featuring 1,000 essential cultural pieces, it presents the complex history of First Peoples and European settlers. This exploration covers the tragedies of a contested beginning and the dialogues leading to a better future, with works by William Barak, Christian Thompson, Maree Clarke, Julie Gough, and Brook Andrew.