Aboriginal Art

“Aboriginal artists today practise in one of the world’s longest continuous tradition of art – and perhaps the last to be generally recognized. Widely sought after, aboriginal art has now taken its place in the collections of leading museums and galleries.

This concise survey looks at the work of Australia’s indigenous visual artists from all parts of the continent. Building on traditions that stretch back at least 50,000 years, many of the artists have worked in a variety of contexts, from the sacred and secret realm of ceremony to more public spheres, and in media including painting, sculpture, engraving, constructions, weaving and – most recently – photography, printmaking and textile design.

Present-day enthusiasm for Aboriginal art testifies to its persistent dynamism and vitality.  …”

Contents:
Introduction
Patterns of Power: Arnhem Land and its surrounds
The art of place and journey: the desert
Land of the Wandjina: the Kimberley
Diversity: North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands
Artists in the town and city
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Select Bibliography
List of Illustrations
Glossary
Index