There is still time to be a part of one of the most impressive collections of First Nations art to be auctioned this year. On 19 May, Art Leven will present the auction of the art collection of Dame Marie Bashir and Sir Nicholas Shehadie at the new gallery in Woolloomooloo. 79 works will be presented in total, showing the couple’s commitment to Indigenous communities and health. The incredible lineup of artists include: Balang John Mawurndjul AM, Arthur Boyd, Robert Campbell Jr, Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Makinti Napangka, Ginger Riley, Tony Tuckson, Albert Namatjira, Garry Shead, Queenie McKenzie and Rover Thomas Joolama.

An extract from the catalogue shows the depth and amazing story that underpins this unique collection: "As a nurse-pilot, [they were flown by Helen Read]  navigating Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO across the North West of Australia several times through the 1990's, witnessing her compassion, sincerity and informed regard toward Australia's First Nations peoples, culture and art, it was re-assuring and uplifting at a time when there was little interest in cross-cultural interactions with Indigenous Australians. Flying out to visit people across Arnhem Land, Kimberley and Central Australia, Dame Marie would say that she was coming on the air art tours to "Put her finger on the pulse of the nation”. Dame Marie's deep interest in people as individuals, as family members and important remote community Knowledge Keepers was evident. Her gracious and inclusive bearing was that of a leader and teacher herself, making everyone feel at ease whilst giving time and attention to their well-being and artistic practice in equal measure. The artworks collated here from Dame Marie and husband Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE, their private collection, is a window into the personal connections made with the artists at an early, burgeoning time of recognition for Australia's First People's cultural strength, diversity and artistic history."

Art Leven (formerly Cooee Art) was established in Sydney in 1981 and is one of the longest-running galleries dedicated to First Nations art. The gallery works closely with artists and art centres across the continent, presenting exhibitions, auctions and research that place First Nations art within a serious curatorial and cultural context. We are there.

Top image: Arthur Boyd, Nebuchadnezzar and a Windmill, 1967, oil on canvas, 109 x 114 cm; 118.5 x 123.5 cm (framed), Lot 32, Estimate $40,000 - 60,000

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