Aboriginal Art Blog - ART ARK® RSS

The art of the Torres Strait Islands embodies maritime elements and designs and is renowned for their exquisite carvings, masks, headdresses, and distinctive printmaking.

From ancient cave paintings to contemporary art, ochre symbolises the deep connection Indigenous Australians have with their land and culture and remains a significant medium for expressing Indigenous identity and practicing culture.

The Seven Sisters Dreamtime Story serves as a luminous thread connecting celestial realms with the human experience. It invites us to contemplate the inherent strength within sisterhood, the pursuit of autonomy, and the enduring power of myth and legend to illuminate our shared humanity. Within this celestial odyssey, we discover the transformative potential that lies within each individual, as they embark on their own journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and the realisation of their true potential.

The Conversation - Friday essay: How the Men’s Painting Room at Papunya transformed Australian art

The Pintupi Nine: The Last Nomads to Global Artists In the vast expanses of Australia's Western Desert, a remarkable story unfolded in 1984. The Pintupi Nine, a group of Australian Aboriginal people, stepped out of their ancient nomadic lifestyle into the modern world. This extraordinary encounter not only marked a cultural and temporal intersection but also paved the way for an unexpected foray into the world of art and global recognition.

We want to address some of the recurring misconceptions shared in social media relating to Aboriginal Art. These comments reflect a lack of understanding and appreciation for diverse cultural expressions and are often used in the context of being outwardly and knowingly ignorant. It's time to broaden your horizons and challenge your prejudices.     Misconception 1: "A white man taught Aboriginals to paint in the 1970s."   Reality Check: Aboriginal Art is one of the oldest continuous art traditions in the world, with its origins tracing back over 65,000 years. Long before the 1970s, Aboriginal people were creating intricate rock art, bark paintings, and ceremonial designs. The attempt to credit a white man for their artistic traditions is not only inaccurate but...

In a recent unfolding at the esteemed Venduehuis Auction House in the Netherlands, the allure of Aboriginal art was once more underscored when a coveted piece by the renowned artist, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, soared well beyond its estimated value.

Reflecting on the referendum's outcome, it's apparent the journey towards a unified, equitable Australia demands our collective and persistent engagement. Though the 'YES' we had hoped for didn't resonate across the ballots, the chorus of voices advocating for Indigenous representation has only grown and become more harmonious. The referendum might have closed a chapter, but the narrative of inclusivity and recognition is far from over. Let's carry the essence of what 'YES' represented - unity, respect, and a nation willing to learn, grow, and embrace its Indigenous heritage.  Each dialogue, every shared insight, propels us closer to the Australia we envision - one where the wisdom of its First Nations people is not just heard, but revered and integrated into the nation's...

When we vote "YES," it's more than rectifying past mistakes. We're collectively acknowledging our growth as a nation and ensuring that past wrongs don't dictate our shared future. We're expressing trust in the insights and expertise of our First Nations people and emphasising the value of their voices.

Papunya Tula is the first Aboriginal Art Centre in Australia and emerged in the early 1970s from the community of Papunya, a location roughly 240km northwest of Alice Springs. The centre has a proud tradition and stands as a remarkable emblem of the profound depth and complexity of Indigenous Australian artistry.