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Budgies flying wild in the Western Desert – a native bird to Australia.

Welcome to the Aboriginal-Art Storytelling page!

The rich Aboriginal history in Australia has been passed down through hundreds of generations through storytelling, this dates back tens of thousands of years, and has constantly evolved. Aboriginal communities are deeply rooted in their culture, language, and traditional lands, and they view the world through a spiritual lens that is unique to their community.

Learn about the history and facts about the Aboriginal-Art by viewing the artists and their biography and our blogs to give you a more meaningful appreciation of the artwork.

Storytelling

Art as a Gateway to Aboriginal Culture

Discover Aboriginal Culture through Art Education! 🎨 The National Gallery of Australia’s Indigenous Art for Schools program is an incredible resource for educators seeking to immerse students in the wonders of Aboriginal culture. 🎨 Through engaging activities inspired by Aboriginal art, students explore diverse techniques, styles, and symbols, allowing their creativity to flourish and embracing…

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Beyond Brushstrokes: The Dynamic Influence of Aboriginal Art

Aboriginal art is a rich and diverse tradition that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is a vital part of Aboriginal culture, and it plays an important role in society today. One of the most important roles of Aboriginal art is to preserve culture. Aboriginal art tells stories about Aboriginal history, traditions, and…

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The Future of Aboriginal Art: Evolution and Contemporary Relevance

Aboriginal art is evolving and embracing contemporary issues, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability. This blog post explores the future of Aboriginal art, focusing on its evolution and its role in addressing present-day concerns. From innovative mediums to social and environmental themes, Aboriginal artists are at the forefront, creating impactful and culturally significant art that resonates…

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NRW2023: Be a Voice for Generations

National Reconciliation Week is fast approaching, and this year’s theme is “Be a Voice for Generations.” From May 27th to June 3rd, Australians across the country will come together to learn, share, and celebrate our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. For those who may not be familiar, National Reconciliation Week is an annual event that…

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Appreciating the Significance of Aboriginal Art

Aboriginal art is enjoyed and appreciated by people all over the world.It is exhibited in galleries and museums, and is also sold as a form of cultural tourism.Many Indigenous artists have gained international recognition for their work, and their art is highly valued for its beauty, cultural significance, and the stories it tells about the…

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The Abo­rig­i­nal Arrernte of Mparn­twe

One of the many Indigenous Australian groups that live in Australia are the Aboriginal Arrernte people. They are a group of Indigenous Australians who live in the central part of the country, and they are deeply connected to the land. In addition to having a strong spiritual and artistic tradition, the Arrernte people have lived…

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What is ochre and why is it such an important medium in Aboriginal art?

Ochre is an invaluable material for Aboriginal artists in creating lively and colorful paintings. This hard clay is widely found in Western Australia’s Kimberley region and the Northern Territory’s Alice Springs and comes in various shades such as red, pink, yellow, white, and even blue. The traditional method of making paint from ochre involves grinding…

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Anniversary of National Apology Day

National Apology Day, celebrated on February 13th, marks the apology issued by Kevin Rudd, the Prime Minister of Australia, to Indigenous Australians for the injustices they faced, including the Stolen Generations where Indigenous children were taken from their families. The day symbolizes the importance of reconciliation and serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges…

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Adam Goodes, A Prominent Aboriginal Football Player

Adam Goodes is a prominent figure in Australian football with Indigenous Australian heritage. He began his career playing for the North Ballarat Rebels before joining the Sydney Swans in 1997. Throughout his career, he achieved great success, earning two Brownlow Medals, two premierships, and being named the 2014 Australian of the Year. However, in 2013,…

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Deadly!

If you’ve come across the term “Deadly” in a comment and were unsure of its meaning in relation to the post, it is likely that it is being used in an Aboriginal context. “Deadly” is often used by Aboriginal people to express something positive, such as “Awesome,” “Great,” or “Excellent.” Additionally, the Deadly Awards, which…

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The First Internationally Renowned Aboriginal Artist

Elea “Albert” Namatjira was the first Aboriginal person to become an internationally renowned artist. Growing up, he loved painting but didn’t start painting seriously until 1934 (age 32). In 1936, he held his first exhibition in Melbourne, and his paintings sold out. His success continued and his paintings became very valuable. Albert made a lot…

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The Rainbow Serpent

The Rainbow Serpent is a mythological creature that is significant to Aboriginal Australians. In many creation stories, the Rainbow Serpent is responsible for shaping the land and creating rivers and other bodies of water. The Rainbow Serpent is also often associated with fertility and abundance, and is thought to be a powerful source of energy….

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Is Aboriginal Art just about patterns and shapes?

Aboriginal art isn’t just about coming up with pretty patterns and shapes. The use of these symbols is a vital part of their culture and history. There are a number of different symbols that are commonly used in Aboriginal art. Each one has a specific meaning and purpose, but it is important to keep in…

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How did Aboriginal Art came to be?

Aboriginal art is an important part of Australian history, and its origins are as varied as the individuals who created it. For many Indigenous Australians, making art was a way to pass down stories and preserve their culture for future generations. It was also used to craft messages and express ideas, with symbols representing different…

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You are always someone’s Bunji!

Bunji is a word that is still commonly used by Aboriginal people in Australia. It has different meanings, but it mostly means “friend” or “mate”. The word is derived from the word “bunya”, which means “together” in the Aboriginal language. The word “bunji” can also be used to describe a group of people who are…

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Exactly what are Bark Paintings?

One of the oldest and most distinctive forms of artistic expression in the world is Aboriginal art. In contrast to other cultures where art is often used for political or religious purposes, Aboriginal art is deeply connected to the land and the Dreamtime. Bark painting is one of the most common forms of Aboriginal art….

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Is there meaning behind every piece of Aboriginal art?

There is more to Aboriginal art than meets the eye. It isn’t simply about coming up with pretty patterns and shapes. The use of these symbols is a complex but vital part of their culture and history. The First Nations people communicated through stories and symbols instead of a written language. They are used to…

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Spotlight on Aboriginal artist Kathleen Petyarre

Kathleen Petyarre was an Australian Aboriginal artist whose work was first recognized at the Aboriginal Art from Utopia exhibition in Melbourne in 1989. However, she did not become famous until 1996 when her first solo exhibition, Kathleen Petyarre: Storm in Atnangkere Country, sold out at Alcaston House Gallery in Melbourne. Then, she won the Telstra…

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