Alan Griffiths

Alan Griffiths (b.1933) is a senior Aboriginal artist whose painting practice bridges traditional knowledge and contemporary aesthetics. Known for his adept use of both oils and acrylics, Griffiths has spent decades documenting the cultural narratives and landscapes of his Country. His work is informed by ceremonial life, ancestral stories, and a deep engagement with the visual language of the Kimberley region. A respected cultural leader, Griffiths has developed a confident and recognisable style that speaks to both local traditions and broader national audiences. Alan Griffiths, born in 1933, is a celebrated Australian Aboriginal artist known for his adept use of oils and acrylics. His artistic journey has been marked by a dedication to capturing the rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture and the natural beauty of Australia. Griffiths' presence in the art market began to be noted in 2004, and since then, a total of 13 works by the artist have been offered for sale. Of these, 9 have been sold, yielding a successful sale rate of approximately 69%. His artwork has found a receptive audience, as demonstrated by the highest auction price of $2,928 achieved for an untitled piece at Mossgreen Auctions in September 2012. Despite the absence of any works offered for sale in the current year, the most recent transaction involving his work occurred in 2023. This indicates ongoing interest and appreciation for his contributions to the field of art. Griffiths' works are included in several prestigious collections, underlining his importance in the Australian art scene. These include the National Gallery of Australia, the Queensland Art Gallery, and the National Gallery of Victoria. Such recognition showcases the impact of his work and his significant role in promoting Aboriginal art both nationally and internationally. Alan Griffiths continues to be an influential figure in Australian Aboriginal art, with his works serving as a vital link between traditional Aboriginal perspectives and contemporary art practices.

2025 - Ever Present: First Peoples Art of Australia (from the permanent collection), National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, Australia
2017 - When the Sky Fell: Legacies of the 1967 Referendum, PICA - Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, Perth, Australia
2012 - 29th Telstra NATSIAA Awards, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Australia
2009 - Floating Life: Contemporary Aboriginal Fibre Art, Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane, Australia
2009 - Parcours des Mondes, Arts d'Australie - Stéphane Jacob, Paris, France; Dreamtime, Musée Les Abattoirs with Arts d'Australie - Stéphane Jacob, Toulouse, France
2007 - Parcours des Mondes, Galerie Arts d'Australie - Stéphane Jacob, Paris, France
2005 - New Acquisitions: Indigenous Australian Art, Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane, Australia; New Work: Alan & Peggy Griffiths, Span Galleries, Melbourne, Australia
2004 - Kimberley Focus, Concert Hall PIAF, Perth, Australia; Newcastle Regional Gallery, Newcastle, Australia; Waringarri Song and Dance Cycle, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
2003 - Kimberley Art, Short Street Gallery, Broome, Australia; Moon Show, Arthouse Gallery, Sydney, Australia; Solo Exhibition, Span Galleries, Melbourne, Australia
2002 - Warrgebarenkoo, Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth, Australia; Kimberley Ochre, Cullen Bay, Darwin, Australia; Heysen Prize, Adelaide, Australia
2001 - Groundwork, Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth, Australia; All About Art, Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne, Australia; New Wave Kimberley Art, Corowa House, Margaret River, Australia
2001 - Exposition collective, Arts d'Australie - Stéphane Jacob / Equation - Transparence, Paris, France
2000 - Exposition collective, Accents Australiens, Arts d'Australie - Stéphane Jacob / Espace Adamski Designs, Paris, France
2000 - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Australia
1999 - Kimberley Art Award, Kununurra, Australia; National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Australia
1997 - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Australia
1995 - Fremantle Print Award, Perth, Australia

National Gallery of Australia
National Gallery of Victoria
Queensland Art Gallery | GOMA
Parliament House Collection, Canberra
University of Wollongong
Edith Cowan University Collection, Perth
Cable Beach Resort, Broome (Commission)
Royal Perth Hospital Collection, Perth
Broadmeadows Health Service Collection, Melbourne
Artbank, Sydney
Bachelor Institute, Darwin
Private Collections, Australia and International

Alan Griffiths entered the secondary art market in 2004 and has maintained steady interest from collectors. Of 13 works offered to date, 9 have sold, reflecting a 69% clearance rate. His top auction result of $2,928 was achieved in 2012 at Mossgreen Auctions for an untitled painting. Although no works were offered in 2024, his most recent sale in 2023 indicates enduring interest in his work. As an elder artist with institutional recognition, Griffiths' market is modest but stable, and his works remain respected contributions to the field of Aboriginal art.