To evoke First Nations narratives of strength, sovereignty and survival, Marri Ngarr artist Ryan Presley’s figurative paintings weave cultural and personal motifs with art historical references.
In 2024, Presley was commissioned by the University of South Australia to paint a portrait of its chancellor, John Hill – a selection of works by the artist accompany the unveiling of this commission. Raised a Catholic, the artist’s practice explores religious iconography and often features intricate patterning and human figures set against lyrical and seductive dreamscapes composed of clouds, industrial motifs and sand dunes.
Samstag Museum of Art
16 October to 5 December 2025
South Australia
Ryan Presley, Lucid dream (The fair game) (detail), 2024
Photograph: Carl Warner
Courtesy the artist, Milani Gallery, Brisbane and Samstag Museum of Art, South Australia
