Aboriginal Art Analysis

Aboriginal art is now being made as product for the Western Art Market and is a main export for many remote communities helping stimulate their economies and income for the individuals that live there. Indigenous art comes in a wide range of prices from mass produced prints and painted objects available at local shops to high end large pieces fetching prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. (Allas, 2010) Australia has a thriving tourism industry and in souvenir shops nationwide there are aboriginal prints and objects. Artist from isolated communities can express their ideas and views of country to a wider audience. The art market has kept the discussion of dreaming alive with the negotiation between kin, owners, and the managers

of the dreaming (Ronya, 2004 pg.33). Some artist like Mavis Ngallametta have shifted their individual style to better suit the art market, who due to coaching from her art manager now paints on a larger scale. (Butler, 2015) The majority of buyers of Indigenous art are non-aboriginal (Allas, 2010). Aboriginals paint and produce art work for the art market which is a cross cultural interaction. Artist are aware of how art will be displayed and in what context it will be viewed, this outside influence modernizes individuals styles and techniques. Indigenous Australian art has gained worldwide recognition due to its uniqueness and its culturally rich aesthetic. The global art world has embraced Indigenous art and has spread their culture which increases understanding. In 2004 there were 96 art centers across Australia to include urban rural areas which provide support and encourage Indigenous artist (Clarity Communications Australia 2015). Aside effect of increase international awareness is increase government funding for aboriginal communities as well as a surge in tourism for the community. The opportunity to participate in art in Aboriginal communities has expanded only 15 years ago creating art was restricted to the properly qualified Law Man and few women, those who were approved within traditional Aboriginal Laws, were able to paint dreams. (Foley, 2006)
After generations of being silenced, the strong voice of Indigenous art is finally being heard by the general population and they have a lot to say.

Aboriginal art has come to represent Aboriginal people and their culture (Myers, 2002). Art Curators of Aboriginal Art are aware of the political weight which surrounds Indigenous art. Many paintings are filled with political statements regarding civil rights, land rights, political equality, social equality, and education about Aboriginal culture and history. Indigenous artist primarily paint country and land rights are a politically charged topic in Australian politics. In the last couple of decades many artist have focused on political empowerment advocating for political and social equality within Australia. Works inspired by the events of the stolen generation confront the general populations of the acts that were committed in recent history. (Foo, 2005 pg. 79) Art teaches the shared history of Aboriginals and White Australia in regards to the mission times, the killing times and the stolen generation. (Foo, 2005 pg. 79) As well as shining a light on the continuous miss treatment of aboriginals in the Australian Legal System. Drawing attention to the problems and educating the general population will lead to improvements and cultural change. Addressing the problems that Aboriginals face in their daily lives and throughout their community starts a discussion on possible solutions. Art creates a dialog that otherwise may never happen it can reach individuals on an emotional

level.
Indigenous Art has been an incredible powerful political tool for Aboriginals. Albert Namatjira gained fame and popularity within ‘white’ Australia for his realistic landscapes. The art pieces were deemed to be refined. (Kleinert, 2013) In 1971, Namatjira became the first Aboriginal to become an Australian citizen. (Kleinert, 2013) He later went on to win multiple prestigious prizes and appear on the Australian Stamp. Despite his fame he still encountered many limiting pressures from the Australian legal system. Painting country forces land right advocacy into the general public. Categorizing art as Indigenous enforces an Aboriginal presence within Australia, that they as a culture cannot be ignored. Although civil rights movements have vastly improved the daily live Indigenous Australian there is still much to be achieved for the Aboriginals within the Australian legal system and societal structure.
Categorizing contemporary art as ‘Indigenous Art’ is a valid practice for curators because there is cultural, economic, and political value. Including all forms within the Indigenous Art category promotes a wider understanding and acceptance of Indigenous culture and life. Labeling art as Indigenous art work ensures that the spectator acknowledges the cultural context of the piece of Art. The wider the range of art works and perspectives elaborates on the diverse experience of Aboriginals throughout Australia. The increase global exposure encourages and supports political reform and civil rights movement. Word choice has deep meaning and implications for curatorial practices. Curators are also able to make cohesive art shows that convey a theme or specific theme categorizing art allows