After several years and millions of dollars $100 million to be precise the monumental building works in the National Gallery precinct are finally complete, with a grand new entrance to prove it.
But with the official opening not until next week, the contents of the new wing 11 galleries to house the huge collection of Aboriginal art have been shrouded in secrecy as pieces are arranged, lighting is tweaked, the new bookshop stocked and the coffee machines calibrated.
But staff allowed one Canberra Times photographer a sneak peek yesterday as curators were hanging this stunning work by Emily Kam Kngwarray. The 1995 painting, Yam awely, is part of the world’s largest collection of Australian indigenous art, comprising about 7000 pieces.
Less than 10 per cent of the collection will be on display in the 1100sqm extension, where the works will be arranged according to region, period and style.
