Contemporary First Nations Art Spotlight
Menzies’ forthcoming auction features a strong selection of contemporary First Nations art. This genre is led by the catalogue cover picture Bulla Goonyah 1993 by Lin Onus, and includes exemplary paintings by Sally Gabori and Emily Kngwarreye, alongside works by highly acclaimed living artists Danie Mellor and Reko Rennie.
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SALLY GABORI (c1924-2015)
Kayardild language group
My Country (also known as Where I Was Born) 2006
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
210.0 x 91.0 cm
Estimate: $40,000 – 60,000
Sold for $85,909 (inc. buyer’s premium)
© Sally Gabori/Copyright Agency, 2026
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EMILY KAME KNGWARREYE (c1910-1996)
Anmatyerre language group
Awelye (Food Travels Dreaming) 1991
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
130.0 x 98.0 cm
Estimate: $50,000 – 70,000
© Emily Kame Kngwarreye/Copyright Agency, 2026
Making her auction debut is Gaypalani Wanambi, who recently won the 2026 Wynne Prize at the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the 2025 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award.
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GAYPALANI WANAMBI born 1986
Yolngu/Mitwatj language group
Ḏawurr (6770-22) 2022
etched found metal
85.0 x 45.0 cm
Estimate: $8,000 – 12,000
© Gaypalani Wanambi/Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Incorporated, 2026
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REKO RENNIE born 1974
Kamilaroi language group
Nguwa Relentless 2021
synthetic polymer paint on pink mirrored acrylic
150.0 x 120.0 cm
Estimate: $25,000 – 35,000
© Reko Rennie, courtesy of Ames Yavuz
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DANIE MELLOR born 1971
A Question of Being 2020
synthetic polymer paint and oil on linen with gesso and iridescent wash
156.0 x 113.5 cm
Estimate: $40,000 – 60,000
© Image courtesy of the artist and Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne
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TENNANT CREEK BRIO
One Eyed Man 2020
repurposed poker machine, jalkara and painted road signs, with single channel digital video
200.0 x 310.0 x 190.0 cm (overall)
Estimate: $40,000 – 60,000
Sold for $104,318 (inc. buyer’s premium)
AUCTION RECORD FOR THE ARTIST COLLECTIVE
Also included is an innovative installation piece by the artist collective Tennant Creek Brio featuring a decommissioned poker machine speared with jalkara. The piece was first exhibited in the 2020 Biennale of Sydney and then again in 2024 at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), and now heralds the Tennant Creek Brio’s first major appearance at auction.
