Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

Artistic heritage: awesome facts about Indigenous art

  • Written by NewsServices.com

Indigenous art is some of the world’s oldest, dating back a mindblowing 40,000 years. Indigenous art has continued to develop over time but has always maintained some of those wondrous traditional elements that makes it so important to their culture and the history of art.

With so much incredible history and so many vibrant pieces, it’s only natural that there are some awesome facts regarding Aboriginal paintings and art in general.

Let’s take a look at some of those interesting facts to gain a deeper insight into the wonderful heritage of Indigenous art and culture.

  1. Indigenous artwork is full of meaning

Indigenous art doesn’t go by the aesthetic of “art for art’s sake”; its artforms are full of intrinsic meaning that make certain pieces important to the artist and their community. Indigenous art is built around the concept of storytelling, whether it’s stories about significant historical events, The Dreaming, family, culture and society. Indigenous artists often require permission to paint about these stories, such is the nature of their importance. Indigenous artwork, therefore, provides an insight into the culture and heritage that makes these works so special.

  1. Indigenous art is the world’s oldest artform

Indigenous art has continued in an unbroken chain for thousands of years. Although Indigenous rock paintings were only discovered by westerners in the 19th century, archaeologists found that many of these Indigenous rock paintings dated back a whopping 40,000 years, making all forms of modern Indigenous art a descendent of these early works. What’s more, the pieces are not only vital to preserving Indigenous art and culture, but are also important for understanding humans many, many lifetimes ago!

  1. Indigenous art comes in a range of different styles

The uninitiated may think that Indigenous art is limited to dot paintings, but they might be surprised to learn that Indigenous art comes in many methods! Ceremonial artefacts, body painting, bark paintings, the oldest form of rock art, ochre paintings, fibre art and wood carvings are just some of the styles that are synonymous with the amazing scope of Indigenous art. What makes many of these art forms so spectacular is their connection to the land; many pieces are produced with natural Australian materials made in traditional ways, as opposed to picking up a canvas and mass-produced paint from the art supplies store.

  1. Indigenous art is a means of poverty-alleviation

Indigenous art purchases can help areas where poverty is a serious issue. Indigenous art centres and galleries across Australia provide thousands of jobs, as well as help artists, their families and their wider communities work toward engaging the community and increasing the workforce.

  1. Indigenous art is valuable on a global scale

Indigenous art is widely respected in the global art community, and is often purchased for large sums at auction. The three highest earning Inidgenous artworks (Tjapaltjarri’s Warlugulong, Kngwarreye’s Earth’s Creation and Thomas’s All That Big Rain Coming from the Top Side) earned $2,400,000, $1,056,000 and $778,750 respectively. Indigenous art is seen as a worthy investment as well as simply a stunning artform to have in the home or gallery.

It’s a stunning testament to Indigenous culture

Indigenous art plays an important role in the continuing heritage and storytelling of its people. What’s more, its beautiful works have earned the style amazing reverence on the global art scene, with pieces selling for millions at auction. These works are a sublime testament to the lasting lineage and artistic brilliance of Australia’s Indigenous people.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

What is RPL in Australia?

RPL is Recognised Prior Learning and refers to skills you already have that can be credited for further study or learning. For example, previous courses you have taken, your current...

“North of the River” Vs “Over the Bridge” – What’s in Brisbane’s ongoing North Vs South Feuds?

Greater Brisbane Australia’s largest capital city by land area, coming in at 15,824 square kilometers, and ranks number three worldwide. It has Australia’s largest city council and northern neighbour Moreton...

Best Electrical Services Perth: What to Look For

To help find the best electrical services Perth, you should know what criteria to look for to get top-of-the-line service. When it comes to your home or business, you want...

Sydney Off Road Trips - Yes, They Exist

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? When it comes to exploring in caravans, Sydney residents may not realise how easy it is to get away for the...

International Influence: Unique Premium Toys from Around the World

In an increasingly interconnected world, the toys children play with often reflect the diverse cultures and creative traditions of different countries. Premium toys, in particular, stand out not only for...

Exploring Australia, Unlocking Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences

Australia is a vast and diverse continent, offering everything from stunning coastlines and lush rainforests to arid deserts and vibrant cities. But even with so much to see and do...

Tips And Techniques For Keeping Your Suzuki Looking Like New

Owning a Suzuki is not just about enjoying the ride; it's also about taking pride in the appearance of your vehicle. A well-maintained Suzuki not only performs better but also...

How everyone in Sydney can find the right employment

Finding meaningful work that offers exciting opportunities and something that broadens the mind is something most Australians yearn for. Why just head somewhere to complete a shift without taking something...

How Mortgage Brokers Influence the Australian Property Landscape

The role of mortgage brokers in Australia's property landscape is an aspect of the real estate and finance sectors that cannot be overlooked. Over 55% of property transactions in Australia...

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australia...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally an...

Choosing the Right Timber for External Cladding

Timber cladding is one of those finishes that pulls double duty: it makes a building look warm and welcoming, and it quietly shields the frame from ...

Top Services Offered by Diesel Mechanics in Brisbane

Keeping a diesel vehicle running at its best takes more than the occasional oil change. When you invest in regular specialist care, you protect the ...

Top 5 Benefits of Hiring Professional House Removalists

Moving day should feel like the start of a new adventure, not the end of your patience. Yet once the settlement papers are signed and the champagne ...

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Managed IT Solutions and IT Services in Townsville

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, companies must adapt to embrace the transformation ahead. With an evolving technology landscape, mana...

Types of Catering You Should Consider for Your Next Event

Choosing the right type of catering service can elevate your event from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether it’s an elegant wedding, corporate func...

Understanding the Benefits of Split System Installation for Your Home

Climate control is essential to maintaining comfort in your home, especially during the extreme temperatures that many regions face. Whether you’r...

Best Aluminium Window Sliding Designs for Natural Light and Airflow

Bringing natural light and airflow into a space is one of the most efficient ways to create a healthy and comfortable home. In Sydney and across Aus...

Maximising Operational Efficiency: Electric Winch Hire Australia and Hydraulic Power Pack Hire Solutions

Image by jcomp on Freepik From urban construction sites and remote mining operations to coastal maritime facilities, specialised equipment solutio...

Navigating the System: Your Guide to Support Finding Work with a Disability Around Melbourne

Image by freepik Finding the right job can be a challenge for anyone, but it can feel particularly daunting when you're also navigating life with a ...

Say Goodbye to Draughts and Hello to Savings: Your Guide to Perth Window Replacement

Image by prostooleh on Freepik Are your windows looking worse for wear? Are you paying a hefty power bill due to sneaky draughts and poor insulation...

How to Choose the Right Horse Trailer for Your Riding Needs

Many horse owners travel long distances for riding lessons, competitions, or to move horses between properties. Having a safe and reliable trailer i...

Sydney Turf Installer for Instant Green Lawns and Long-Term Performance

Having a green lawn at home makes everything look better. Whether it’s the front yard, backyard, or a small patch beside the driveway, people in S...