A trailblazing Paris show for indigenous Australian artist Sally Gabori

Thundi Big River, 2010 by Australian indigenous artist Sally Gabori. One of thirty works on display at the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris, from 3 July - 6 Nov 2022. © Estate of Sally Gabori

The Fondation Cartier for Contemporary Art in Paris has opened its doors to the captivating universe of Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori, an indigenous Australian artist who began painting at the age of 80. A pioneer until her death in 2015, she was able to capture the spirit of her Kaiadilt people and her homeland through magnificently colourful works.

The coastal landscape of far-north Queensland, Australia is like nowhere on earth. In fact, some have described it as lunar, due to its vast expanses of saltpans, rocky outcrops and a searing white sunlight.