The beautiful contradiction of aboriginal art is that it fits the contemporary style, and yet is it timeless. This duality challenges the traditional Western understanding of progress in culture and ideas. While indigenous art has its origin for thousands of years, rooted in human pre-history, it still holds relevance due to the deep connection it creates between the artist and the viewer. Aboriginal tribes safeguarded their culture for centuries by passing on their rituals, songs, dances, storytelling, artwork, symbols and meaningful patterns over generations.
They provide a timeless connection of these indigenous individuals and their experience of the Australian landscape this art is considered one of the most iconic and innovative art forms in Australia. Numerous collectors pay thousands and millions of dollars to acquire these pieces from reputed galleries and auctions. Their history, creativity, meaning, colours, pattern, skill and aesthetics have enhanced their value among investors.
The History of Aboriginal Art
The birth of aboriginal Australian art occurred when a group of older desert men began painting their cultural heritage using canvas and paper. It ignited the movement that influenced the entire Australian art community and became well-known as a famous art form.
In1971, Papunya, an Australian art worker and teacher Geffrey Bardon worked with a remote community in Central Australia to begin an art program to translate the knowledge of the village elderly men onto canvas. Over the decades, numerous communities contributed their diverse knowledge through pictorial representations.
The Language of Symbols in Aboriginal Art
All aboriginal artworks use symbols and colours to convey their stories and connect with the people, animals and nature around them. These symbols are popularly seen in artworks from the early cave paintings to contemporary paintings and religious ceremonies in Australia. These symbols can differ from region to region as each has its own culture. Each artist also has his way of portraying the symbols through various colours, spacing, lines, compositions and combinations. Collectors receive an information sheet from the artists explaining the story behind the art and the meaning behind the particular symbols, while works on rocks and caves are left to the interpretation of the scholars, art historians and collectors. For example, the symbol upside down ‘U’ represents a person in the Papunya Central Desert. Although they are simple structurally, indigenous artists use them together to create a beautiful, complex story.
Factors Indicating the Value of Aboriginal Work on Sale
The demand for indigenous art has multiplied dramatically in the recent decade. It has caught the interest of collectors and investors from around the country who realise its potential. They purchase specific artworks depending on the following factors:
The Artist
The highest valued aboriginal artwork usually belongs to renowned indigenous artists, and they yield the highest return for investors.
Artist’s Age and Experience
Artwork by the elders of indigenous tribes reflects deeper meaning and understanding of their art form. Therefore, they have a higher value than the work of younger artists.
Technique
They pay close attention to the details and the technique that the artists have used to determine the authenticity and style of the work. Technique indicates the consistency with the style of an artist or region.
Geographic Region
Collectors and inventors familiarise themselves with the various communities, regions and well-known indigenous artists of Australia as it is a significant factor in determining the value of the work.
Documentation
Certain sellers and galleries provide certificates of authenticity. Biography of the artist and title of the painting while selling the artwork. Investors should obtain written documentation that authenticates the purchase and connects the piece back to the original owners.
