Aboriginal Art Blog
ART ARK®
Why you should vote YES in the 2023 Referrendum
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.
The Aboriginal Flag
A Symbol of Identity, Resistance, and Unity The Aboriginal Flag represents not only the First Nations people of Australia but also the long and complex history of indigenous rights, resistance against colonisation, and the continuing struggle for recognition and justice. Australia, like many other countries with a history of colonization, bears the scars of cultural dislocation, oppression, and the suppression of its indigenous populations. The Aboriginal Flag stands as a potent reminder and emblem of the indigenous people's past, present, and future aspirations. Who designed the Aboriginal Flag? The Aboriginal Flag was designed by Harold Thomas, a Luritja man from Central Australia, in 1971. The flag features three horizontal bands and its design is simple, yet profoundly symbolic: ...
Joining the dots: analysing the sustainability of the Australian Aboriginal art market
This is getting into the weeds for many but for those truly interested in the Aboriginal Art Market we love this 2010 paper which is reproduced here with permission from the author, Meaghan Wilson Anastasios.
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''So here’s the pre-publication version of the paper, which looks at the sustainability of the Aboriginal art market using empirical evidence drawn from auction figures. My conclusion is that Aboriginal art, rightly or wrongly, is treated by the market as anthropological, rather than fine, art, and that this has implications for the mid- to long-term sustainability of the market...''
Jilamara Arts & Crafts
Tiwi Island artworks often revolve around significant Tiwi ceremonies, like Pukumani (burial) and Kulama (initiation), offering glimpses into the island's cultural core. The term 'Jilamara' in the Tiwi language means 'design', a fitting representation of the Aboriginal Art centre's oeuvre.
Tjanpi Desert Weavers Aboriginal Art Centre
Tjanpi Desert Weavers is an esteemed art collective that revitalises and celebrates the ancient weaving traditions of Aboriginal women from Central Australia via contemporary artworks. Through its commitment to cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and artistic innovation, Tjanpi Desert Weavers has created a lasting impact on the participating communities, while gaining national and international recognition for its exceptional fibre artworks.
Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Art Centre in Yuendumu
Since its establishment in 1985, the art center has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Warlpiri culture through the creation of stunning artworks among many projects. Here are some key events and notable features since it it began:
The Barunga Statement: A Powerful Call for Recognition, Rights, and Reconciliation
The Barunga Statement emerged from a historic gathering known as the Barunga Festival, where Indigenous leaders, community members, and government officials came together to engage in meaningful dialogue. During the festival, Prime Minister Bob Hawke was presented with a statement crafted by the leaders of the Northern and Central Land Councils, representing the voice of Aboriginal people across the nation.
Maningrida Arts and Culture
Maningrida Arts & Culture thrives on the lands of Kunibídji country in Arnhem Land, situated in Australia's Northern Territory. Spanning an expansive area of 7,000 square kilometers, this region encompasses both land and sea and is home to over 100 clan estates. Within this diverse landscape, the Maningrida community has nurtured cultural traditions, where more than 12 distinct languages are spoken. In this article, we delve into the essence of Maningrida Arts & Culture, celebrating the resilience and enduring connection of the Aboriginal people to their ancestral lands.