Aboriginal Art Has Colour, Vitality, Texture And Inspiration
By Jenny Coad for the Daily Mail
With all those bright, eye-catching colours, patterns and textures, it’s little wonder that Aboriginal Art has become so coveted.
As one of the longest unbroken art traditions in the world — experts estimate it has been practised for about 40,000 years — it has historical resonance, too.
And there is much more to it than meets the eye. It is like looking at a vibrant map of Australia, from boulders to water sources, mountains to the sea. It’s deeply spiritual, conveying Aboriginals’ connection with their land and telling the stories of their spirit ancestors’ as well as passing on practical knowledge of the country. Many works represent the religious philosophy governing Aboriginal life, known as The Dreaming.
Collectors are snapping it up. Sotheby’s, on London’s Bond Street, held its first dedicated sale last month and the art went for prices ranging between £1,500 and £80,000.
Galleries also are spreading the word with smart exhibitions. Contemporary work by Aboriginal Artists was on display in the Royal Academy at last year’s show, Australia, and you can see some colourful examples as well as historic bark paintings and an emu feather skirt sent to the Princess of Wales to celebrate her marriage in 1863, at the British Museum’s exhibition, Indigenous Australia.
Designers are following suit, introducing earthy colours and intriguing patterns, which imitate the artistic tradition. Read more…