The National Portrait Gallery’s major summer exhibition celebrates the vibrant, pop-fuelled world of one of Australia’s most dynamic contemporary artists.

The National Portrait Gallery will celebrate First Nations joy, strength and pop culture flair this summer with Super Kaylene Whiskey, the first major survey of works by Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey. Opening 15 November, the exhibition presents more than 80 exuberant works that have earned Whiskey international acclaim and a cult following.

Anchoring the show is a new commission depicting Cathy Freeman’s iconic 2000 Sydney Olympics triumph, a three-panelled series showing Freeman sparking the torch, running for Gold and taking her well-earned medal. Surrounded by symbols of bush tucker, flags and kungka kuṉpu (strong women), Whiskey’s interpretation of Freeman radiates celebration. “She is having a good time, making a party to celebrate wherever she goes, ‘Go Super Cathy!’” Whiskey said.

Pop culture meets Country

From Wonder Woman and Dolly Parton to Whoopi Goldberg and Tina Turner, Whiskey’s universe blends ancient Aṉangu culture with global celebrity, humour and bold colour. Her portraits place pop icons amid the rhythms of Indulkana life, where Coca-Cola sits alongside bush tomatoes and storytelling pulses to soundtracks of country and rock.

Working from Iwantja Arts in the remote Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Whiskey has become one of the country’s most recognisable artists. A three-time Archibald finalist and winner of the 2018 Sulman Prize, her collaborations with brands, including Wah-Wah, Mecca and the National Gallery of Victoria, have cemented her as a creative force. Her 2020 work Dolly visits Indulkana was famously projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House for Badu Gili: Wonder Women in 2021.

Super Kaylene in focus

Curated by April Phillips and introduced by National Portrait Gallery Director Bree Pickering, Super Kaylene Whiskey is a visual feast of joy and resistance. Highlights include Kaylene TV, a monumental television installation where Whiskey’s friends, family and idols burst through the screen, and a series reimagining the Kungkarangulpa (Seven Sisters) story with an all-star cast of pop heroines.

“Kaylene Whiskey is among the most exciting contemporary artists working in Australia today,” Pickering said. “Every detail in her portraits signals what matters to her – her passions, interests and strong sense of self – always delivered with humour and lightness.”

Whiskey described the exhibition as a “big party celebrating kungka kuṉpu (strong women), friends, family, culture and of course Dolly Parton”.

“I want to share a peek into Kaylene’s world with visitors to the exhibition,” she said. “I hope it will make you laugh and smile and maybe even dance and sing too! Come and have a look. Kaylene loves you!”

Phillips said Whiskey’s art expands the potential of First Nations portraiture. “Kaylene’s portraits represent her on Country, within her culture, and across time. Then she takes that world further, mixing it with celebrity, universal brands and emoji-like symbolism. Kaylene is dancing in many worlds and invites us to join her.”

Celebrating a cultural moment

Running from 15 November 2025 to 9 March 2026, Super Kaylene Whiskey coincides with the National Gallery of Australia’s 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain, and the release of Whiskey’s first monograph, The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love?, edited by Natalie King and Iwantja Arts, and published by Thames & Hudson Australia.