about us
Chapman Gallery is a commercial gallery that began specialising in Australian Indigenous art in 1983. It was one of the first Australian galleries to ethically represent Aboriginal artists by selling art sourced from community based art centres. The gallery has helped nurture such prodigious talents as Emily Kame Kngwarreye and Rover Thomas, by representing them as emerging artists right through until they achieved national and international prominence. In its long history Chapman Gallery has sold artworks to all the major regional, state and national institutions including Art Gallery of NSW, National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia.
Today Chapman Gallery represents many of the community-based indigenous art centres, both established and emerging. The gallery has a very strong commitment to promoting and sustaining indigenous communities through a vibrant and ethical community-centred model of art production and distribution. Over the last three decades it has built up strong connections with these communities and believes that indigenous art has an indispensable role to play in community building. Chapman Gallery embraces the opportunity to share this unique aspect of Australian culture with local and international audiences.
Along side its indigenous focus Chapman Gallery continues to exhibit innovative, collectable Australian artists such as Tim Johnson, Prudence Flint, Amanda Penrose Hart, and Jill Kempson. The gallery is committed to presenting an extensive exhibition schedule from our stable as well providing opportunities for artists who have yet to be seen by a Canberra audience.
History
Chapman Gallery was opened in the suburb of Chapman in 1976. Judith Behan, the original director, turned a minor suburban gallery into a respected and culturally significant Canberra artspace through her drive and passion. It was her tremendous vision that foresaw the rise of Aboriginal art as a movement, holding the gallery’s first exhibition from Papunya Tula artists in 1983.
Kristian and Judith became friends in 2006 when Judith was looking to retire but wanting to see the gallery continue. The new incarnation of Chapman Gallery was opened in its current location in March 2007.
Director
Kristian Pithie comes from a diverse arts background as a filmmaker, television producer, writer, actor and now as the owner and director of Chapman Gallery. A graduate of the Victorian College of the arts Kristian also studied Indigenous Arts Management in 2005. He is a passionate advocate for Australian contemporary art.