Fiona Foley (b.1964), Batjala artist, activist, curator and writer, grew up on Fraser Island and in nearby Hervey Bay before moving south to study art at the East Sydney Technical College. Since first experimenting with Aboriginal motifs as a student, she has produced a body of pastels, photographs, prints and installations that explore Batjala culture and history. She has completed several major commissions in Darwin and Brisbane, and collaborated on installations in Melbourne and Sydney. She was a founding member of Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative, has served on a number of boards and co-curated the two Tyerabarrbowaryaou exhibitions at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art in 1992 and 1994. Foley's work is held in most major Australian galleries.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program
© Juno Gemes/Copyright Agency, 2021
Accession number: 2005.75
Copyright image request form
Request a digital copy of an image for publication
Juno Gemes (19 portraits)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
Explore portraiture and come face to face with Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
Timed ticketing, location, accessibility and amenities
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!
Principal sponsor
Strategic partner
Cultural partner
Media supporter
Beverage partner
Imaging partner
Digital partner
