At the formal opening of the show late last week by Brenda L Croft, Senior Research Fellow at the  University of NSW and former head of Aboriginal Art at the NGA, who in turn had been introduced by  Aboriginal elder Matilda House, it became clear that the Aboriginal art and activism of this region gave cause for rejoicing.

Artworks emanating from  the Canberra region by practitioners such as Danie Mellor, Jenni Kemarre Martiniello and Lyndy Delian, were seen to present their heritage in striking and unusual ways, using glass, earthenware, mezzotint, and taxidermied birds.

But this  exhibition is, to many local art-lovers, touchingly   dominated by  superb  prints emanating from Canberra’s now defunct professional art workshop,  Studio One, which operated in Kingston for 18 years from 1983.

The Museum and Gallery holds an important archive of prints produced at Studio One, including many works by Indigenous artists—lithographs, linocuts and screen prints.

Some of the largest format prints are by Mellor, others, more political in theme, are by local activist/artists like Matilda House and the late Kevin Gilbert,   while  several prints are by major  artists from interstate, including the late Rover Thomas and Emily Kame Kngwarreye, whose had been printed at Studio One.

Clark has put together an aesthetically pleasing, beautifully installed exhibition of art that combines technical sophistication and beauty with just a touch of nostalgia.

“Gathered Together,” Gallery 5, Canberra Museum and Gallery, Cnr London Circuit and Civic Square,  until  September 15, Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm Weekends from noon to 4pm.