Australian Nartional University acquires John R Walker
Image: Driving the Badja Road
John R Walker's significant painting Driving the Badja Road (2009) has been acquired by The Australian National University for its art collection.
The work will be featured in ANU Art Collection: Conjunction, opening on 23 October 2026. The exhibition highlights works from the university's collection and explores connections between visual art, ideas and creative practice.
As part of the project, the Jazmourian Ensemble has created a new musical composition in response to Driving the Badja Road. The work will premiere in November, extending Walker's exploration of landscape into a dialogue between painting and contemporary music.
The acquisition recognises Walker's longstanding contribution to Australian landscape painting and ensures that Driving the Badja Road will become part of an important public collection.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, their Elders and country. We also acknowledge their continuing culture and their contribution to the life of our community.