Things To Know About Indigenous Australian Art

By Author: Taj Cochran
Total Articles: 340
Comment this article

Indigenous Australian art is the oldest continuous artistic tradition in the world, dating back some 40,000 years. Indigenous It has developed from the rock paintings and carvings of the past to contemporary works in all media, including painting on paper, canvas and bark.
 
The Indigenous Australian art movement is a unique and distinct style of art that has developed over thousands of years in Australia. The movement is characterised by a variety of styles and themes, including abstract and figurative works, which are created using natural materials such as bark, clay, feathers and more. The use of these materials gives Indigenous Australian art a distinct texture and feel that is different from other forms of art around the world.
 
Here are some things to know about Indigenous Australian art:
 

Indigenous Australians have been creating art for thousands of years.
The Yolngu people from Arnhem Land paint sacred symbols on their bodies during ceremonies or rituals.
Aboriginal people have ...
... used rocks and shells as tools since pre-historic times to create tools for hunting or survival purposes.
Many Aboriginal communities practice body painting as part of traditional dance performances or secret initiation ceremonies linked with land ownership or marriage arrangements between clans.

 
Aboriginal art is often divided into three main styles; Wandjina style, Mimi style and Ubirr style.
 
The Wandjina Style is named after a mountain near Broome in Western Australia. The Wandjina are spirit beings who are said to have created the earth and its inhabitants. They have been depicted as human-like figures with large eyes, long arms, exaggerated noses and mouths, with their feet pointing backwards.
 
The Mimi Style is named after a rock hole at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. The Mimi was believed to be spirits who lived at waterholes where they could help people by providing food when needed or teaching them how to live healthily and happily on earth. The Mimi was portrayed as human-like figures but with large heads, large eyes and long noses that stick out sideways from their faces like beaks.
 
The Ubirr Style emerged from an area around Ubirr Rockhole that was a meeting place for many Aboriginal tribes. It is believed that the artwork dates back to prehistoric times around 30,000 BCE which makes it one of the most authentic indigenous art forms in Australia. The art form depicts human figures along with animals as well.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Taj Cochran who has written a number of articles on Indigenous Australian Art and provides fruitful information. To know more, please visit www.australianartgallery.com.au.