Indigenous Art

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Artist unknown 'Jawun [bicornual basket]' c.early 20th century 2002, lawyer cane, Collection of the National Gallery of Australia

Artist unknown Jawun [bicornual basket] c.early 20th century 2002, lawyer cane, Collection of the National Gallery of Australia see this work in Tactility

The Indigenous art of Australia is the part of oldest continuing living culture in the world and one of the two major art traditions operating within Australia today. The National Gallery of Australia collects art of the highest artistic merit and excellence created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (hereafter referred to as Indigenous) to document and represent the ongoing and developing traditions of art which reflect the diversity of Indigenous experience over time and from every region of the continent.

The collection aims to document the history of Indigenous art from the earliest collectable works to the most recent. Given the dynamic and innovative nature of Indigenous artistic practice, the Gallery aims to keep abreast of contemporary developments across all art forms including all media used by contemporary Indigenous artists.

Among key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art works in the collection is The Aboriginal Memorial (1987–88), an installation of 200 painted hollow log coffins by the artists of Ramingining in Arnhem Land. The Memorial, a collaborative work involving 43 artists, is dedicated to all Indigenous Australians who have lost their lives defending their country since non-Indigenous settlement.

Special focus

Aboriginal Memorial conservation for new display

The Aboriginal Memorial 1987–88 is currently undergoing conservation work for its re–launch in the entry of the new Stage 1 building which will house permanent displays of Indigenous Australian art.
 
In its new location, this important work can be viewed from all sides, as well as from above. The use of natural light will further highlight this significant Indigenous installation which comprises  200 traditional hollow log coffins or poles—one for each year of European settlement and representing the Aboriginal people who died defending their land and denied a proper burial. The poles were made by 43 artists, both male and female, primarily from Ramingining and several surrounding communities in Central Arnhem Land Northern Territory, Australia.

Conservation work on The Aboriginal Memorial will take place in the Orde Poynton Gallery until October 2009 and can be viewed from 10.30 am – 1.00 pm each week day.

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New acquisition highlights

Related exhibitions

Ramingining Artists 'The Aboriginal memorial' 1987–88
Ramingining Artists 'The Aboriginal Memorial' 1987–88, Collection of the National Gallery of Australia
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Selected publications
All works are National Gallery of Australia publications unless otherwise stated

 

More information

Albert Namatjira @ In the Artist's Footsteps

 

Links to other institutions and events

NAIDOC week 2008

Western Australian Premier’s Indigenous Art Awards