Paddy Bedford: Spirit + Truth | Frieze Masters Report

We are delighted to share that the solo exhibition, Paddy Bedford: Spirit & Truth at Frieze Masters 2024 was received just as enthusiastically as our 2023 presentation of works by Emily Kam Kngwarray.

Last year, a global audience embraced the work of Emily in what was the first ever presentation of an Australian First Nations artist at the Fair.

This year, we presented the work of another of Australia’s greatest painters, the revered Gija artist and respected lawman, Paddy Bedford.

The exhibition, Paddy Bedford: Spirit + Truth comprised a hand-picked selection of sixteen significant paintings – from 1998 to 2004 – that spanned Bedford’s short yet remarkable career as an artist – and represented his most important themes.

Alongside these significant paintings, our presentation included a gallery of twenty works in gouache, direct from the artist’s estate.

Sales from Paddy Bedford: Spirit + Truth totalled USD$1,302,050 with record prices achieved for Dingo Spring 2004 and Thoowoonggoonarrin 2004, which each sold for USD$250,000.

D’Lan Davidson, Director + Founder said, ‘It has been a privilege to present the work of Australian First Nations artist, Paddy Bedford, to an international audience at Frieze Masters 2024, and to see his work embraced by collectors and art enthusiasts from all over the world.’

And, ‘Frieze Masters offers vital visibility and access to international audiences from this region who have a strong interest in, and an established history of, collecting. We look forward to returning to London again soon.’

Paddy Bedford: Spirit + Truth at Frieze Masters

We are honoured to continue the work of our late friend and colleague, William Mora, in representing the Estate of Paddy Bedford. This year, we have celebrated the legacy of this important artist with an international exhibition programme which has culminated in the presentation of his work at Frieze Masters.

It is part of our mission, as a gallery, to raise awareness of and appreciation for Australian First Nations art.

Read more about Frieze Masters, our new Sydney gallery, and D’Lan Contemporary in these articles in Artnet and Art Monthly Australasia. 

For media enquiries, please contact nicole@dlancontemporary.com.au