The Many Forms of Aboriginal Art

Aboriginal art is one of the most beautiful expressions of Aboriginal culture in Australia. The artists use their connection to country, culture and dreamtime to create stunning artwork that is unique to the different tribes across the nation. Australian Aboriginal art is the oldest unbroken tradition of art in the world.

Here we look at some of the forms and styles Aboriginal artists use to create their art.

Rock Art

Aboriginal rock art has been around for a long period of time. There are artefacts of rock art in Western Australia’s Pilbara region and the Olary district of South Australia that is said to be dated back to around 40 0000 years ago. From paintings using ochre, to engravings and stencils: this art form is not only a sight to be seen, rock art sites hold tremendous cultural value and connection to the First Nations people. 

Dot Painting

Dot painting is a very well-known Aboriginal art style. These paintings can vary from using the finest, tiny little dots arranged on a canvas to large, multi-coloured dots. The technique used in dot paintings are produced by repeated imprints of a brush, dotting stick or other instruments onto the canvas to create a wholistic image made out of ‘dot’ marks.

Bark Painting

This art style involves artists painting the interior of a strip of tree bark. Traditionally, bark paintings were done for instructional and ceremonial purposes, usually making it an impermanent object. This expression of art is still practiced in Arnhem Land and other regions in the top end of Australia including parts of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. 

Sculpture

Aboriginal sculpture was said to originate in Yirrkala and the Tiwi Islands. Traditionally, the use of these sculptures was only for a short period of time. Once they were used in rituals, the sculptures were discarded.  .

String Art

Another form of traditional Aboriginal art is string art. In this artform, the artist will create images and artwork from string. They manipulate the string with their fingers and twist and turn them to create different shapes and designs.

Browse through the Artwork of Present-Day Aboriginal Artists

To this very day, Aboriginal Australians practice their artistic expression that has been passed down through generations. Mbantua Gallery is proud to work with and highlight the art of talented artists in Utopia and surrounds.