UPCOMING
4 to 6 November 2026
A once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire museum-quality Aboriginal artworks that have remained in private hands for decades.
Collectors will receive a comprehensive provenance endorsed by Harvey Galleries, Yanda Art, and an independent valuer.
With more than 30 years of experience in Seaforth, we offer trusted guidance and expertise to help you build a collection that is meaningful, enduring and uniquely your own.
We proudly deliver artworks to collectors worldwide, with specialist, fully insured shipping arranged to ensure every piece arrives safely and securely.
BEFORE THE CROSSING presents exceptionally rare early Western Desert paintings collected over decades by Christopher Simon OAM – works that have remained largely unseen outside his Northern Territory home.
Many collectors and dealers have waited more than twenty years for these paintings to become available.
Now, exclusively through Harvey Galleries, they can finally be viewed – and acquired.
FEATURED ARTISTS IN THE COLLECTION:
Nyurapayia Nampitjinpa (Mrs Bennett)
Naata Nungurrayi
Paddy Lewis Japanangka
Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri
Kenny Williams Tjampitjinpa
George Ward Tjungurrayi
John John Bennett Tjapangati
Pegleg Tjampitjinpa
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
The paintings featured in BEFORE THE CROSSING represent far more than exceptional works of art – they are enduring cultural records created by some of the most respected artists of the Western Desert movement.
Many of these works have remained in Christopher Simon OAM’s private collection for decades, quietly preserved and rarely seen outside intimate circles of artists, collectors and close friends. Their release marks an exceptional opportunity to acquire paintings with remarkable provenance, historical importance and lasting cultural significance.
Browse the available works below and discover the stories, artists and traditions behind every painting.
BEFORE THE CROSSING brings together a remarkable selection of early Western Desert paintings from the private collection of Christopher Simon OAM. Carefully assembled over decades through trusted relationships with some of Australia’s most celebrated Aboriginal artists, many of these works have remained in private hands and have rarely been seen publicly. Their release offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to acquire artworks of outstanding historical, cultural and artistic significance.
Absolutely. You can enquire about any available artwork directly through Harvey Galleries. Our experienced team is happy to provide additional photographs, condition information, provenance details, pricing and advice to help you make an informed decision before purchasing.
Of course. Whether you’re purchasing your first Aboriginal artwork or expanding an established collection, our specialists can guide you through the collection, explain the significance of individual artists and artworks, and help you select a piece that aligns with your interests, budget and collecting goals.
Harvey Galleries offers secure Australia-wide delivery for all available artworks. Each painting is carefully prepared, professionally packed and transported with the care that fine art deserves. Should you have any specific delivery requirements, our team will work with you to arrange the most suitable shipping solution.
Yes. Harvey Galleries regularly works with international collectors and can guide you through every stage of the purchasing process. We offer insured international shipping, specialist fine art handling, high-resolution images or video on request, and virtual consultations to help you view artworks from anywhere in the world.
Our team can also assist with flexible payment arrangements, customs and import guidance, and will provide provenance documentation from both Harvey Galleries and Christopher Simon/Yanda Aboriginal Art, along with an independent valuation certificate to support your purchase and collection.
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