Boundless Plains Exhibition Opens in Malé, Tracing Muslim History

A celebrated Australian exhibition exploring centuries of Muslim history and cultural exchange opened at the National Art Gallery in Malé on Sunday.

Titled Boundless Plains, the exhibition is a collaboration between the Islamic Museum of Australia and the Australian High Commission in the Maldives. Developed by the Islamic Museum of Australia, the photographic exhibition traces the long and diverse history of Muslim communities in Australia, from early maritime and inland pioneers to more recent migrant and refugee communities who continue to shape the country’s social fabric.

The exhibition highlights the stories of Afghan cameleers, Malay pearl divers and other early Muslim settlers, while also acknowledging deep pre-colonial maritime links between northern Australia and the Indonesian archipelago. These include centuries-old interactions between Makassan trepang fishermen and the Yolŋu people of Arnhem Land, reflecting a shared Indian Ocean heritage rooted in cultural exchange and mutual respect.

Through intimate photography and personal narratives, Boundless Plains invites audiences to reflect on themes of faith, resilience and belonging, while considering Australia’s longstanding connections with the wider Muslim world. Presenting the exhibition in Malé underscores the enduring relevance of historical Indian Ocean links and shared seafaring traditions that continue to connect communities today.

The exhibition also highlights the role of cultural exchange in strengthening international relationships and fostering mutual understanding between Australia and the Maldives through people-to-people connections.

Boundless Plains forms part of the Islamic Museum of Australia’s permanent gallery in Melbourne and has previously toured Abu Dhabi, Jakarta, Brunei and Kuala Lumpur.

The exhibition will be open to the public at the National Art Gallery in Malé from 10:00 to 18:00 daily until February 5.