The Truth About Aboriginal Art

 

Too many people sell Aboriginal art for the wrong reasons, and no one talks about it.

 

We’re different. And we’ll get to why.

 

For years, dodgy dealers have been exploiting Aboriginal artists and unsuspecting buyers to make huge profits. They pay artists a pittance and then resell their work at inflated prices—10x, 20x, even 30x more.

 

Who wants to buy art that exploits the artists? What’s the point in that?

 

These dealers don’t care about the artists. They don’t care about the buyers. They’re just in it for the money, and they don’t want you to know the truth.

 

That’s why we started ART ARK.

 

We make buying ethical Aboriginal art easy.

 

100% of the art we share comes from not-for-profit, community-run Aboriginal Art Centres. Sold at their prices. On consignment. Offering complete transparency.

 

You might have heard of carpetbaggers and think they’re a thing of the past.

 

They’re not. They’re still out there, taking advantage of artists across Australia.

 

It’s not cloak and dagger. It’s big business.

 

And they’re skilled at deception.

 

Ready to spin a yarn and tell you whatever you need to hear.

 

Certificate of authenticity? No problem.

 

A page denouncing unethical traders? No problem.

 

Think of them like used car salesmen trying to sell a lemon.

 

This meme sums it up, really. 

 

They know their business model. They just don’t want you to know.

 

It's not illegal. It's immoral.

 

So we have to take the long road. Raising awareness and educating where we can.

 

But here’s the flip side: There’s an incredible industry just waiting for your support.

 

Artists share their culture with you and the world to lift themselves up and support their families.

 

Art centres are the beating hearts of Aboriginal communities.

 

They are where culture is shared, preserved, and strengthened, and where economic and social opportunities are created.

 

Discover incredible dot paintings, bark paintings, sculptures, and more, and buy art you will be proud to own.

 

We want to share this incredible world and opportunity with you.

 

We also want to teach you what school didn’t.

 

Learn about the Dreaming, the symbols used, Dreamtime Stories, and the history behind it all.

 

No, dot painting wasn’t taught to Aboriginal people. Let us share with you.

 

Join our community and discover art that really means something.

 

We can't do it alone.

 

By signing up, you'll be part of a movement that values ethical Aboriginal art, supports artists, and preserves culture.

 

Learn through our series of emails, what Aboriginal art is truly about.

 

We’ll also send you updates on incredible new artworks as they arrive. 

 

And you get access to our subscriber-only collection and a welcome credit too.