Ngarru Gallery marks 15 years as a cornerstone of Indigenous art in Port Douglas
ART LEGACY
Ngarru Gallery on Macrossan Street has marked 15 years as a leading destination for Indigenous art in Port Douglas. The milestone reflects years of dedication, resilience, and respect for the artists and stories the gallery showcases.
At the heart of the gallery’s success is Nicola Hood, owner and director of Ngarru Gallery, whose passion for art and culture drives the gallery’s vision.
Alongside a dedicated team, she has made it her mission to support both established and emerging Indigenous artists. Her approach emphasises respect for the artists’ stories and the care they put into their craft.
It all began in 2010, when Nicola began working at the gallery after leaving a career in the events industry.
“I was burnt out and ready for a change. I found myself here, surrounded by beautiful art and stories,” she said.
Six months later, when the previous owner decided to leave the country, Nicola and a colleague bought the business, rebranded it, and Nicola has run it ever since.
“It was absolutely terrifying at the time, but a calculated risk,” Nicola said. “I thought, what’s the worst that can happen? I could end up in a tent with artwork. Thankfully, I’m not in a tent,” she laughed.
Unique storytelling
Over the years, Nicola has carefully built a high-end collection focusing on Central and Western Australian Desert art, stretching from the Northern Territory into northern South Australia.
In the early years, she made trips to Alice Springs to connect directly with artists and communities.
“That’s where a lot of the fine, traditional art comes from, the storytelling is very strong,” Nicola explained.
“In the gallery, you’ll see two main colour palettes: earthy ochres from the Western Desert and brighter colours from the Central Desert.”
Western Desert art, Nicola said, is created by artists who have lived nomadically on the land and paint the stories of their ancestors.
“It’s about storytelling more than creating something pretty. Sadly, there aren’t many of these artists left, so we’re very blessed to have these works.”
The brighter-coloured works from the Central Desert reflect modern influences.
“One painting shows an aerial view of an artist’s grandmother’s country in bloom, with wildflowers, seed pods, tubers, and women gathering bush tucker. It’s beautiful and vibrant, capturing traditional bushcraft.”
Welcoming space
Nicola said curating the gallery is about creating a space that is inviting and visually appealing for all visitors, from first-time buyers to serious collectors.
“People come back because they feel comfortable here. There’s no pressure. It’s about enjoying the art, learning about Indigenous culture, and anyone—locals included—are welcome just to come in and explore,” she said.
Looking back over 15 years, Nicola says her proudest achievement is the trust artists place in the gallery.
“So much! Surviving COVID, being here 15 years, being a woman in business in a previously male-oriented town, and my amazing team.
“But probably my biggest pride is being entrusted by artists to display their stories. It’s a commercial venture, yes, but the trust from artists to share their history and culture is invaluable.”
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