• Ibu Istikomah's work, Jarik Gendhagan, tumpal detailing
  • Ibu Istikomah's work, Jarik Gendhagan

    Ibu Istikomah, Jarik Gendhagan

  • Sahul & Sunda is an online gallery exhibiting fine quality artworks from the Top End of Australia, the islands of the Timor Sea and Nusantara.

    We provide a platform for artists who sustain and innovate indigenous artistic traditions outside the walls of Western art institutions. These artists live in corners of the world often considered remote and isolated. Yet their works, which demonstrate deep cultural, spiritual and ecological knowledge systems, are more relevant now than ever.
  • Ibu Idhoh Sarong Relawati Sisik

    Ibu Idhoh, Sarong Relawati Sisik

  • Ibu Zumrohtun creating batik tulis

    Ibu Zumrohtun creating batik tulis

  • Working hand in hand with artists, we seek to identify and develop more ethical markets for their art so that their practices continue to thrive.

  • We focus on artworks that embody strong connection to land, ecosystems and spirituality. With permission from artists and cultural leaders, we work hard to translate and describe the indigenous value systems embedded in the artistic works that we display. We hope that this allows visitors to admire the artworks for their beauty on the outside, as well as the cultural beauty that runs deep within.

  • Through our foundation, Sahul & Sunda Arts, we support artists’ professional development, connect communities of artists and facilitate collaborations. These exchanges result in new and innovative works that still pay homage to the region's rich cultural heritage.
Ibu Nasiatun Selendang Relawati Ketumbar Bolong

OUR STORY

Sahul & Sunda was inspired by the people and lands of the Arafura and Timor seas and the archipelagos of Nusantara (the region between the north of Australia and Southeast Asia) where the Sahul & Sunda land masses meet.

Incredibly diverse, this region has a rich history of cultural exchange and creative innovation. Yet it is often considered remote and isolated. We want to challenge that assumption.

Cultural leaders in this region are strong, and must be so. The traditions and ways of life that make their communities unique are often under threat as they interact with systems developed in the industralised West. Cultural practices must withstand the inundation of globalised cultural influences from the mass media and the online world. Maintaining uniquely local artistic and cultural practices is a test of resilience.

Sahul & Sunda is about providing a new platform to recognise these creative leaders. It is an exhibition space where they can express their values, tell their unique stories and share some of their vast knowledge.

  • Ibu Idhoh with her work Sarong Relawati Sisik

    Ibu Idhoh, Sarong Relawati Sisik

  • Ibu Idhoh, Sarong Relawati Sisik (Kepala - Feature Panel)

    Ibu Idhoh, Sarong Relawati Sisik (Kepala - Feature Panel)
Ibu Nandiroh creating batik tulis

HOW WE WORK

Transparent & respectful dealings with artists and creatives.

50% of the purchase price is paid to artists:

- 40% as a commission paid directly to the individual artist, some of which is paid upfront; and

- 10% as a contribution to an artist-directed development fund which artists can access and use collectively with other artists in her/his community.

The remaining 50% is used to cover all operational costs and to sustain the gallery.

  • We adopt the principles set out in the Indigenous Art Code, which promotes fair and ethical trade in works of art by Indigenous artists. This means that we:

    - Provide artists with transparent information about our pricing and business model;

    - Share retail and marketing information with the artists;

    - Seek the free, prior and informed consent of artists for all uses of their words and images;

    - Ensure that individual artists are appropriately acknowledged.

  • We only sell art that is purchased directly from community-based artists or community-based artist collectives with whom we have developed strong relationships. We prioritise transparency in our dealings with all artists.

  • Sahul & Sunda’s wearable art collection is made by professional tailors paid a fair price to produce under safe working conditions.

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Ibu Mustofiyah, Sarong Dlorongan

Sustainability

Art materials and mediums are not always environmentally sustainable. For this reason, we encourage the artists who we source from to use more sustainable materials. This includes ethically sourced organic cotton and natural, plant-based dyes. For artists who are interested in switching to these materials, Sahul & Sunda offers additional financial and practical support.

Most of our product packaging is made from recycled material that is fully compostable or recyclable.