Australian Indigenous art captivates audiences with its beauty and storytelling, weaving
heritage, landscapes, and ancestral wisdom into each brushstroke and pattern. In this
article, we talk to Adam Knight, a distinguished Australian art curator, whose career has
been instrumental in bringing Indigenous art to the forefront. As the visionary behind
seven art galleries, including Mitchelton, Gallery of Aboriginal Art, and the recently
opened Sorrento Contemporary, Knight is committed to showcasing the richness and
diversity of Aboriginal Art to both local and international audiences.
What inspired you to open Sorrento Contemporary, and how does
it reflect your vision for showcasing Indigenous art in Australia?
Our family were regular visitors to Sorrento and surrounds for many
years. I love the feel of the area and the Peninsula in general.
We purchased a home in Blairgowrie 2 years ago and I was keeping
a constant eye out for vacant suitable spaces. I was delighted when
our current location became available as the space offers great
presentation to the street and allows us to present a large number of
works to the public even if they choose not to physically enter
the gallery.
How would you describe the role of Sorrento Contemporary
compared to your other galleries and the broader Victorian
art scene?
Most galleries are destination galleries with established clientele
however Sorrento Contemporary, like our other galleries, are all
located in tourist orientated locations as we have found this to be
an exceptional way of introducing Indigenous art to a broader
market. Based on the locations we exist, we have created many
passionate collectors who may never have started collecting
through traditional approaches.
Sorrento Contemporary located on Victoria’s scenic Mornington Peninsula, offers an impressive permanent collection that champions both
emerging talents and acclaimed Indigenous artists from across Australia.
Summer 2025
In Focus Magazine
14