Atong ATEM<br/> <em>Henna 6</em> (2021) <!-- (recto) --><br /> from the <i>Banksia</i> series 2021<br /> digital print<br /> 116.0 x 159.0 cm<br /> National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne<br /> Gift of the artist and MARS Gallery, Melbourne, 2023<br /> 2023.310<br /> © Atong Atem, courtesy Mars Gallery, Melbourne <!--150200-->
NGVWA

NGVWA Annual Dinner

Thu 7 May 2026, 7–11pm
NGV International, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne

Join us for an exclusive dinner in the NGV’s 18th Century Gallery, featuring guest speaker, Ethiopian born, South Sudanese artist, Atong Atem, together with a special musical performance by Zizi Lilac, disco cellist and DJ – who will play her rich, instrumental arrangements and ephemeral Afrofuturist soundscapes.

During this event, Atem will reflect on her journey to Melbourne and discuss her international practice. The conversation will reference selected exhibitions and presentations of her work, including at: Tate Modern, London; the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney; the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A); and Paris Photo 2025 (Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées), in the Emergence sector. Atem will share visual examples of her work, which addresses themes of belonging and identity through self-portraiture.

The NGVWA is a group of volunteers who fundraise through events to support the NGV Collection. Tax deductible donations are welcome.

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