Aboriginal artworks date back tens of thousands of years and are characterised by many more types of art than the dot paintings and vibrant imagery we are familiar with today. They were used for storytelling and the passing down of culture between generations. Today, we merge the style of traditional Indigenous artworks with the Western appreciation for beautiful, creative works – making authentic dot paintings and watercolours available to buy on canvas.
Contemporary Aboriginal art first emerged in the 1970s from the Papunya region. In 1971 a young schoolteacher working in the region encouraged his class to create artworks inspired by their own heritage. Elders and others in the community soon became involved and the contemporary Indigenous art movement began. This movement spread through many regions and communities in Central Australia, including the Utopia region which is where most of Mbantau Gallery’s artworks are created. With influences ranging from Aboriginal symbols to Dreamtime storytelling, the contemporary Indigenous art movement is a celebration of Indigenous Australians creativity and connections to their history, their ancestors and their land.
Our mission at Mbantua Gallery is to promote Aboriginal culture and support Indigenous communities by working closely with them and sharing their artworks with the world. When you buy contemporary Aboriginal artworks, you are helping to support the economic growth of Indigenous communities. You are helping to spread their amazing culture to all corners of the world and assisting us in educating as many people as possible on the wonderful heritage of Indigenous Australians.
Authentic Aboriginal art is heavily influenced by the history and legacy of the region from which it came. We work very closely with those in the Utopia region and have worked with some of the most renowned Aboriginal artists such as; Polly Ngale, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Gloria Tamerre Petyarre, Minnie Pwerle and Barbara Weir. Every artwork is accompanied by an authenticity certificate and a profile of the artist who created it.
Visit our galleries in Alice Springs and Darwin or browse online to buy contemporary Aboriginal artworks. Questions? Get in touch with us on +61 8 8952 5571 or send us a message online.
