Michael Riley Australia (Aboriginal), 1960-2004

Michael Riley (1960-2004) was an Aboriginal artist born in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia. He was a member of the Kamilaroi tribe and his work often explored issues of identity, culture, and history within the context of Indigenous Australia. Riley first gained recognition as a photographer in the 1980s, and his work was exhibited widely both in Australia and internationally. His photographic style was characterized by a unique blend of documentary and artistic techniques, and his images often challenged dominant stereotypes and representations of Indigenous Australians. In the 1990s, Riley expanded his artistic practice to include film and video works. He produced several critically acclaimed films, including "Black Tracker" (1997) and "Empire" (1997), which explored the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities in Australia. Riley also created several works of visual art, including paintings, installations, and mixed media works. His art often incorporated elements of his Kamilaroi culture and explored themes of identity, memory, and belonging. Throughout his career, Riley was a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. He was a member of several Indigenous organizations and worked closely with Indigenous communities to promote their voices and perspectives. Riley passed away in 2004.

In our database, 41 works by Michael Riley are listed as being offered for sale, the earliest in 1998, of which 31 (76%) were sold. The highest price recorded for the artist is $18,300 for Untitled (Split Wing), from the Series 'Cloud' sold by Bonhams in November 2013. This year one work has been offered for sale. Works by Michael Riley are held by the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of NSW and a further five major public national galleries (see list below).