Aboriginal Art Blog
ART ARK®

The Rainbow Serpent is a powerful Dreamtime Story. Rooted in the cultural beliefs and mythologies of Australian Aboriginal groups, this ancient narrative weaves together the forces of creation, nature, and spiritual wisdom. Aboriginal artists have played a crucial role in capturing the essence of the Rainbow Serpent through their artworks.

The Aboriginal Art centre, Anindilyakwa Arts is a thriving hub of creativity located on the Groote Eylandt archipelago in Australia's Northern Territory. This Aboriginal Art centre is the cultural heartbeat of the community, a place where the ancient artistic traditions of the Anindilyakwa people are not only preserved but are thriving in contemporary forms.

As ART ARK is proudly based in Launceston, Tasmania, we believe it's important to share with you some contextual history that you may not know. Tasmania's past is rich and complex, marked by significant events that have shaped the island's cultural and social landscape. One such period is the Black Wars, a series of intense conflicts that took place in the early 19th century between the Indigenous Tasmanian population, known collectively as the Palawa people, and European settlers. Understanding this history is crucial for appreciating the depth of Tasmania's heritage and the resilience of its people.

The term "Stolen Generations" painfully marks a dark era in Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were systematically and forcibly taken from their families by state policies, stretching from the 1910s until the 1970s. Historical estimates indicate that during this era, up to one-third of Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their parents and communities.

Noŋgirrŋa Marawili's work is a dynamic fusion of traditional Yolŋu iconography and contemporary artistic expression, capturing the spiritual essence of her homeland in Arnhem Land.

Riley's use of bold, flat colors and the absence of traditional dotting techniques set his work apart from other Indigenous artists, making it instantly recognisable.

Marawili's contributions to Aboriginal art have been recognised with numerous awards, including the prestigious National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award. His work has been exhibited in major galleries and institutions around the world, showcasing the richness and depth of Yolngu art to a global audience.

Bronwyn Bancroft is a distinguished Aboriginal artist whose work has played a pivotal role in the contemporary Aboriginal art movement. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, blending Aboriginal motifs with contemporary design to create pieces that are both visually striking and culturally significant.

Dorothy Napangardi's legacy extends beyond her individual achievements. She has inspired countless artists and has played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of Warlpiri culture. 

Destiny Deacon's work is a unique amalgamation of humor and critique, shedding light on the complexities of identity, race, and history.