Showcase Australia

Tjanpi Kampanyi (Burning Grass), 2007 (185 cm x 116 cm) - Trephina Sultan Thanguwa

Aboriginal Artists

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that this website contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Aboriginal art is recognised world-wide and encompasses a number of different forms from painting on canvas and wood, painting on fabrics, wood carving, sculpture, and weaving.

Many up and coming aboriginal artists are also creating experimental art forms, with fresh ideas and using a variety of material that takes the traditional art form into a more modernist abstraction, that is in line with the contemporary art of our times.

Karntakurlangu, 2009 (Cat No 13943DN) by Dorothy Napangardi
Karntakurlangu, 2009 by Dorothy Napangardi, courtesy Gallery Gondwana

In the expression of dance we see aboriginal dance companies encompasses not only the traditional but the exploration of the modern dance forms.

Much Aboriginal art has close links with rituals and ceremonies. It is an important part of many artworks, that are often based on dreaming stories and totems. Symbolism often is integral within current aboriginal artwork and whilst symbols can appear to be repeated, the meaning can change within the context of the artwork.

Aboriginal painting can have a specific story, the actual meaning may be obscured or hidden and even omitted. Other works are based on the title, such as bush medicine, that is self-explanatory.

Water Dreaming / Tkatja, Sept 2008 by Raymond Walters Japanangka
Water Dreaming / Tkatja, Sept 2008 by Raymond Walters Japanangka

Following is a selection of some aboriginal artists and their works, that we may have a relationship with or know personally, with some works that relate to articles within our website. Other artists will be from and courtesy of Gallery Gondwana.

ABORIGINAL ARTISTS
Putipulawa (Pretty Bush Flower), 2010 © Janet Tjitayi
Putipulawa (Pretty Bush Flower), 2010 © Janet Tjitayi
'Country', 2018 © Nellie Marks Nakamarra
‘Country’, 2018 © Nellie Marks Nakamarra
Dorothy Napangardi - Spinifex - DN-4.1
Dorothy Napangardi – Spinifex – DN-4.1 © Gallery Gondwana, courtesy Gallery Gondwana

Footnote & References

  1. Dorothy Napangardi, Gallery Gondwana, https://www.gallerygondwana.com.au/dorothy-napangardi

Aboriginal ArtistsArchie Adrian Jangala Robertson Daniel Goodwin Dorothy Napangardi Elsie Numina Eric Braedon Mbitjana Evelyn Nungarrayi Jugadai Janet Tjitayi Keith Morgan Pitjara Kukula McDonald Nellie Marks Nakamarra Raymond Walters Japanangka Selma Coulthard Trephina Sultan Thanguwa