How is Aboriginal art authenticated at Art by Farquhar?

Every painting sold at Art by Farquhar comes with a Certificate of Authenticity documenting the artist, their community, the story behind the work, and provenance details. Art by Farquhar is a proud member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia (AAAA), which binds members to a strict code of conduct ensuring artists are treated fairly, transparently and with respect.

Where do Art by Farquhar's artists come from?

Art by Farquhar works directly with artists and their families from two of Australia's most significant Indigenous art regions: the Central Desert of the Northern Territory, including communities such as Willowra and Yuendumu; and the APY Lands of South Australia, home to artists from Ernabella (Pukatja), Watarru and surrounding homelands. The gallery has built direct relationships with artists over many years.

Can I buy Aboriginal art online from Art by Farquhar?

Yes. Art by Farquhar's full collection is available to purchase online at farquhar.art, with shipping available Australia-wide and internationally. Paintings can be purchased as unstretched canvas or stretched and ready to hang (stretching available for Adelaide customers). The gallery is also open in person at 1070 South Road, Edwardstown, South Australia.

What is the APY Lands and why is the art significant?

The Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands is an Aboriginal-owned area of approximately 103,000 square kilometres in the far north-west of South Australia. Artists from the APY Lands paint stories passed down through their families — Dreaming stories that connect people to their country, culture and ancestors. Art by Farquhar works closely with APY Lands artists including Janice Stanley, Rhoda Tjitayi, Susan Tjitayi and Renae Nakamarra Nelson.

How much does Aboriginal art cost at Art by Farquhar?

Art by Farquhar's collection ranges from small works under $500 through to major statement pieces over $10,000. Pricing reflects canvas size, artist reputation, complexity of the work and cultural significance. The gallery does not discount — prices reflect the genuine value of each work and the fair payment made directly to artists.

What is the Mamungari or Spirit Woman Dreaming?

Mamungari (also called Mamungari-Nya) is a creation story from the APY Lands describing Spirit Women travelling across country. It is a story passed down through family lineage and belongs to specific custodians. At Art by Farquhar, Renae Nakamarra Nelson — granddaughter of celebrated Papunya Tula artist Michael Jagamarra Nelson — paints the Mamungari story taught to her by her grandmother Manyitjanu Lennon.

What is the Pantu or Salt Lake story painted by Janice Stanley?

Pantu is the Pitjantjatjara word for salt lake. Janice Stanley, a third-generation artist from Ernabella in the APY Lands, paints the salt lakes near Mt Connor as part of the Seven Sisters creation story. Her distinctive contemporary style depicts these ancient lakes from a bird's eye view, using flowing lines and vibrant colour to capture the shimmering desert landscape.

What is the Piltati Tjukurpa story painted by Rhoda Tjitayi?

Piltati Tjukurpa is an ancestral creation story belonging to the Tjitayi family from Pukatja in the APY Lands. The story follows two sisters, Wanyinta and Alartjatjarra, who travelled Piltati with their husbands hunting and gathering food. Rhoda Tjitayi, born 1969, paints this story passed down from her grandmother. Rhoda's work is held in the collection of the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Does Art by Farquhar offer art rental or consulting?

Yes. Art by Farquhar offers an art rental service for businesses and individuals in Adelaide looking to display original Aboriginal art in their space. The gallery also provides no-obligation art consultation for those looking to select works for home or commercial interiors. Contact the gallery at farquhar.art for more information.

Is Art by Farquhar an ethical Aboriginal art gallery?

Art by Farquhar is a member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia (AAAA), the national industry body committed to ethical and fair trade practices in Aboriginal art. The gallery works directly with artists and their families, ensures fair payment, and provides full provenance documentation with every work. The gallery does not source art from third parties or secondary markets.

Aboriginal Art in Canberra - Galleries, Museums and Buy Online

Canberra is Australia's capital and home to some of the world's most significant collections of Aboriginal art. As the seat of national cultural institutions, it holds a unique place in the story of how Aboriginal art has been recognised, collected and celebrated at the highest level. Here is a guide to where you can view and experience Aboriginal art in the city.

National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin holds the world's largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art - more than 7,500 works spanning bark paintings, ceremonial objects, works on canvas and contemporary practice. The collection includes the Aboriginal Memorial, a forest of 200 hollow log coffins created by artists from Ramingining in Arnhem Land, which stands as one of the most powerful works of art in Australia. Entry to the main galleries is free.

National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia at Acton Peninsula explores the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people, with a strong focus on First Nations history and culture. The museum's permanent galleries include significant Aboriginal cultural material and the museum has hosted landmark exhibitions including Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters, which drew on the knowledge of Anangu elders to explore one of the oldest and most widespread story cycles in Australian Aboriginal culture.

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery holds a significant collection of portraits of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, presenting First Nations faces and stories as central to the national identity. Free entry.

Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG)

Located in the heart of the city on London Circuit, CMAG presents rotating exhibitions that explore the art, history and culture of the Canberra region and Australia more broadly, with regular programming featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Art by Farquhar

For those looking to purchase original Aboriginal paintings, Art by Farquhar is a specialist gallery for Central Desert and APY Lands art, with free worldwide shipping to Canberra and across Australia. Based in Edwardstown, South Australia, the gallery works directly with artists and their families from communities including Willowra, Yuendumu, Utopia, Ernabella and Watarru. All works come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Browse the full collection and order online with free shipping to Canberra at farquhar.art or contact us at sales@farquhar.art.