The Stars We Do Not See: Opening Conversation

About this event

Join us in celebrating the landmark exhibition The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art. In conversation, our distinguished guests explore the rich history, contemporary narratives, and power of Indigenous art. Moderated by Kathleen Ash-Milby, Curator of Native American Art at the Portland Art Museum, the discussion will feature Dr. Jessica Clark, Senior Curator of First Nations Art at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), alongside renowned artist and documentary photographer Ricky Maynard. Together, they will broadly reflect on the living cultural traditions, artistic innovations, and socio-political themes represented in the exhibition with a specific focus on Ricky Maynard’s work. Featured Speakers Dr. Jessica Clark is a proud Trawlwoolway woman and a curator with a background in art history and education, born in Lutruwita/Trowunna and currently living and working on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm/Melbourne. Clark currently holds the position of Senior Curator, First Nations Art at the National Gallery of Victoria. Previous institution- based curatorial positions include: Curator at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) (2022–25); Curatorial Manager, Victorian First Peoples Art and Design Fair at Creative Victoria (2024–25); and Ursula Hoff Fellow, University of Melbourne (2024–26). Clark holds a PhD Fine Art and Music (2023), Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne, of which was awarded The Chancellor’s Prize for Excellence 2024. Ricky Maynard (Ben Lomond and Cape Portland) is a Tasmanian documentary photographer, activist, and social commentator whose work is featured in The Stars We Do Not See. He is celebrated internationally for his powerful documentary series, including his groundbreaking portraits of Wik elders—the traditional custodians of Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. Kathleen Ash-Milby, a member of the Navajo Nation, and Senior Curator of Native American Art, has worked at the Museum since…

Description from portlandartmuseum.org