Aussie indigenous Dreamtime Art

 

 

Colin-Wightman aboriginal painting of bird

Colin Wightman

 

 

Optically Addicted-Contemporary-Indigenous-Australian-Ceramics-&-Mixed-Media-Artwork-by-Penny-Evans

‘Optically Addicted’  — Penny Evans

 

 

Austrealian Indigenous Art -=- Spirit-Ark---Navigation---by-the-Stars--Aaron-Meeks

 

‘Spirit Ark Navigation by the Stars’ — Arone Meeks

[click to expand]

 

This work is based on navigation by the stars, the boat being both a symbolic vehicle to travel back to the dreaming in and a connection with country, spirit and place. Contained within this vessel are elements of my childhood –  the figure with three dillybags, a guiding light (far left), my mother (far right) and the three mangrove men figures. These designs, like those below the boat in the water, are location markers. They talk of the dugong seagrasses, irukandji jellyfish, sea cucumbers and the spawning coral.

Other key elements to the work are the different stages of personal growth through my years as a painter and printmaker and my relationship to place.

 

 

Indigenous art from Aboriginal Myths, Fables and Legends

 

 

Deciphering the Dreamtime

 

Originally, Aboriginal peoples depicted their Dreamings by painting them in the sands and the earth or on rocks and tree bark. Also during ceremonies, they used their bodies for expressing sacred designs and for demonstrating their cultural knowledge and identitiy. They used their art to ensure a continuity of lineage with their ancients and preserve their stories.

The ‘Dreaming’ was refrerred to as “the Law”, being a universal language that governs all people, places, and things and brings them together under one unifing principal. The Dreaming is not connected by a finite period of time but is regarded as being continually occurring and is ever-present in Aboriginal Australian culture. The past and future merge into the present and becomes a conduit to access their transformative/shape shifting Ancestors.

A design made up of different symbols tells the story of a particular mythical ancestral heroes journey to get to his final resting place. The individual symbols map out that journey. When the symbols are arranged together they represent that mythical ancestor journey and the place his spirit now resides.

 

Shorty Jangala Robertson, ‘Ngapa Jukurrpa – Puyurru (Water Dreaming at Puyurru)’, 2007, acrylic on canvas.

 

This painting describes a particular place (the Tanami desert and the water courses above and below ground) It refers to an ancient story (the Ancestors singing down the rain in a great thunderstorm) and his spiritual connection to the land and its importance to his culture.

Practical guidance on where to find food and water and where to hunt was also represented in their art narratives. Long curving lines depicted rivers while repeating concentric circles indictaed where to locate water holes and wells. The dreamtime stories also taught them about how to maintain the wellbeing of their lands and live in harmony with each other and the animals. The spiritual relevence and power of a certain location to various people was also revealed.

The symbols in aboriginal art are design specific. Symbols have different meanings depending on which design is being painted. A concentric circle on one design may mean waterhole in one design or camp place in another. Aboriginal art symbols are not like letters or hieroglyphics. They only have a specific meaning when they are within a particular design

Their Dreamings explained how the universe was created, how the land was shaped, and who and what came to live in it. The artists channeled the universal archetypes that manifested through their myths and the original spirit of the land was accsessed via their ceremonies. Using a timeless Dreaming conscioussness, they created an iconography with ceremonial mapping and impressionistic interretation to express connection to land and ancestors.

 

 

The Yerrakartarta ceramic mural

Constructed between 1993 – 1994, Lower Forecourt, Intercontinental Hotel, North Tce, Adelaide

 

 

Ainslie Roberts--The Weeping Opal

Ainslie Roberts — ‘The Weeping Opal’

 

According to Aboriginals from around Andamooka in South Australia, opal was created when their ancestral being was conveyed to earth via a great rainbow. Where the rainbow connected with the land, great rocks and pebbles formed and glittered in the sun with all the colours of the rainbow and opals were born in the Dreamtime.

 

Bells Beach mural---Mark Trinham-Glenn Romanis--1996

Bells Beach Bindi mural—Mark Trinha / Glenn Romanis

1996

 

 

Camouflage series Serving plate-Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo

Camouflage series Serving plate – Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo

 

 

 

Carole Foster_Sillers Lookout Arkaroola_Canvas

Carole Foster — Sillers Lookout, Arkaroola

 

 

Catherine-Manuell-Design-Autumn-Winter-2020-PutipulaTjuta-bush-yams

Catherine Manuell Design 2020 – ‘PutipulaTjuta bush yams’

 

 

Chaffey installation

Glenn Romanis Chaffey installation

 

Mal Chambers_Rock Wallaby oil painting

Mal Chambers — Rock Wallaby oil painting

 

 

Charles Boyun--Waterlillies--aboriginal bark painting

Charles Boyun–‘Waterlillies’

 

 

Arone Meeks abstract contemporary Australian Art

Arone Meeks —  ‘Pornum Athoy’ 

1996

Lawrence OmeenyoUmpila-Missus and Mister Croc-2013-earthenware

Lawrence Omeenyo Umpila – ‘Missus and Mister Croc’

2013-earthenware

 

 

Christina Gollan – The leafy sea dragon is only found in South Australia along the coast near Victor Harbour.

They grow to a length of about 40 cm and camouflage themselves in the seaweed

 

 

Clay-Stories-AlAlliison-Milyika-Carroll-Ngayuku-Walka-2017-610-h-x-350mm-d-photo-Ernabella-Arts

Alliison Milyika-Carroll Ngayuku Walka

Ernabella Arts

 

Aboriginal boy with Sand Goanna, Tjuwanpa Outstation

Photo Anders Zimny

 

 

Clem Rictor--Murili-2002

Clem Rictor — ‘Murili’

2002

 

 

David Bosun,-Baidamaw Titui Buna Urdhay Id,-2012

David Bosun — Baidamaw Titui Buna Urdhay Id

2012

 

Declan Apuatimi---Kurlama-1982-earth-pigments-on-bark

Declan Apuatimi—Kurlama

1982-earth pigments on bark

 

 

 

Derek Jungarrayi Thompson

Derek Jungarrayi Thompson ceramic vase

 

 

Dianne-Robinson--Putipula indigenous dot painting

Dianne-Robinson — ‘Putipula’

 

 

Spirit Dreaming--Bowl-Penn Evans

‘Spirit Dreaming’–Bowl- Penny Evans

 

 

 

Djap Wurrung trees have been used for around 50 generations as a place for local Aboriginal women to give birth

Djap Wurrung tree

Djap Wurrung trees have been used for around 50 generations as a place for local Aboriginal women to give birth

 

 

Dreamtime Sisters-Colleen Wallace Nungari--Arboriginal dot Art

‘Dreamtime Sisters’ – Colleen Wallace Nungari

 

 

 

Eagle Catching Fish and Taking it to the Nest (Sea Eagle)--Turbo Brown.jpg

‘Eagle Catching Fish and Taking it to the Nest (Sea Eagle)’ –Turbo Brown

 

 

 

Elizabeth Sparks'-Birds pottery dish

Elizabeth Sparks’- ‘Birds’ pottery plate

 

 

Ernabella-Ceramics,-Derek-Jungarrayi-Thompson---SOLD-Atila-I-(Mt-Conner),-2013,-Stoneware-with-sgraffito,-H-81

Ernabella Ceramics, Derek Jungarrayi Thompson – SOLD ,’Atila I (Mt Conner)’

2013

Stoneware with sgraffito, H 81.5cm

 

 

Ernabella-Ceramics,-Derek-Jungarrayi-Thompson---SOLD-Wanampi-II,-2014,-stoneware-with-sgraffito,-H-45

Ernabella Ceramics, Derek Jungarrayi Thompson –  ‘Wanampi II’

2014, stoneware with sgraffito, H 45.5cm

 

 

Arone Meeks

 

 

Ernabella-Ceramics,-Pepai-Carroll---Walungurru-I,-2015,-stoneware-with-sgraffito,-H-55

Ernabella Ceramics, Pepai Carroll – ‘Walungurru I’

2015, stoneware with sgraffito, H 55cm

 

 

Eternal vigil-Karen Casey-1988-NGV

‘Eternal vigil’ – Karen Casey

1988-NGV

 

 

Fish-and-Storm-Clouds-(Guyi-Na-Ngawalngwal)---1994---Lin-Onus

‘Fish and Storm Clouds’ (Guyi Na Ngawalngwal) –Lin Onus

1994

 

FosterC_Cattle_Muster_acrylic_on_canvas

Carole Foster – ‘Cattle Muster’

Acrylic on canvas

Manyung Gallery Group

 

George Djelminy---Flying Fox Dreaming--1968

George Djelminy — ‘Flying Fox Dreaming’

NGV–1968

 

 

Ghost-Gum,-MacDonnell-Ranges,-Central-Australia

‘Ghost Gum, MacDonnell Ranges’ — Albert Namatjira

 

 

Handmade-pottery-Fruit-Bowl-June-Smith-Contemporary-Aboriginal-art-michaelgrealy

Handmade pottery Fruit Bowl – June Smith

Photo Michael Grealy

 

 

Jack Dale-~-Wandjina,-2007

Jack Dale-~-‘Wandjina’

2007

 

jilamarini-tirrintirri-burdekin-ducks-Janice Murray--three-colour-sugar-life-and-aquatint-90-x-60cm-edition-of-30_rebecca-hossack-art-gallery

‘Jilamarini Tirrintirri’ (Burdekin Ducks) – Janice Murray

90-x-60cm — Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery

 

 

Japara the Crab Eater-Ainslie Roberts

‘Japara the Crab Eater’ – Ainslie Roberts

 

 

Jennifer Mullett-Iinterior Landscape-II--2003

Jennifer Mullett – Iinterior Landscape-II

2003

 

Camel Racing

Outback Camel Races

 

 

Charlie-Tjapangati -- Australlian aboriginal artist

Charlie Tjapangati

 

 

NGV Kwementyay Kngwarreye's-Big yam Dreaming

Kwementyay Kngwarreye’s ‘Big yam Dreaming’

 

 

Indigenous abstract Now Time Portal-2-Arone Meeks

Indigenous abstract ‘Now Time Portal-2′ – Arone Meeks

 

 

Libby McKinnon---Glenn Romanis -- Echinda-Footprint---Colac Community

Libby McKinnon & Glenn Romanis mosaic — ‘Echinda-Footprint’

Colac Community

 

 

Lin-Onus-(1948-1996)---Garkman-Na-Minguli,-1995

Lin Onus- —‘Garkman Na Minguli’

1995

 

 

Lin Onus-Dawn at Barmah Forest-1996

Lin Onus – ‘Dawn at Barmah Forest’

1996

 

Lin Onus--Evening reflections-Barmah Forest

Lin Onus  – ‘Evening Reflections Barmah Forest’

 

 

Lin Onus--'Fish and Lillies Dingo Spring

Lin Onus — ‘Fish and Lillies Dingo Spring’

 

 

Derek Jungarrayi Thompson,-Ernabella Ceramics,-Kungkarangkalpa-II,-2015,-Stoneware,-H-52.5cm

 

Derek Jungarrayi Thompson, ‘Kungkarangkalpa-II’

2015, Stoneware,-H-52.5cm

Ernabella Ceramics

 

 

Lyerrtjina (budgerigar)-2016-by-hermannsburg-pottery-Judith-Pungkarta-Inkamala

‘Lyerrtjina’ (budgerigar) – Judith Pungkarta Inkamala

2016 Hermannsburg Pottery

 

 

Manharrngu mortuary rites---David Malangi--1966

‘Manharrngu mortuary rites’ — David Malangi

1966

 

 

Martin-Boyd,-vase,-decorated-with-an-Aboriginal-elder-with-boomerang-incised,-Martin-Boyd-Australia

Martin Boyd, vintage vase

 

 

Nyunmiti Burton-–-‘Ngayuku ngura-–-My Country’

Nyunmiti Burton -–- ‘Ngayuku ngura-–-My Country’

 

 

Margaret Preston Sholhaven Gorge painting

Margaret Preston ‘Sholhaven Gorge’

 

 

Penny-Evans--Gorrogarah binjdil overcast Tea tree Creek dish

 

Penny Evans–Gorrogarah Binjdil overcast Tea tree Creek dish

 

 

Aboriginal art on bark Narritjin Maymuru--Marrngu the Possum--1969

Aboriginal art on bark – Narritjin Maymuru– ‘Marrngu the Possum’

1969, NGV

 

 

Moon Vase-Kangaroo-journey painted by Koruna (Suzi-Gaughan)

Moon Vase-Kangaroo Journey painted by Koruna (Suzi Gaughan)

 

 

Nat Ward-Nailcan Hill landscape painting

Nat Ward – ‘Nailcan Hill’

Manyung Gallery Group

 

 

Nyapililngu,-ancestral spirit woman of the Manggalili--Narritjin Maymuru-1969--97

‘Nyapililngu, ancestral spirit woman of the Manggalili’ — Narritjin Maymuru

NGV

 

 

Pachatata Dreamtime Sisters--Colleen Wallace Nungari - Australian indigenous art

‘Pachatata Dreamtime Sisters’ — Colleen Wallace Nungari

 

 

Paddy Freddy Puruntatameri---Jilamara--1992

Paddy Freddy Puruntatameri —  ‘Jilamara’

1992

 

 

Paul-Roget--painting

Paul Roget

 

 

Johnny Warungula Tjupurrula -- abstract Idigenous painting

Johnny Warungula Tjupurrula

Johnny Warungula Tjupurrula was one of the founding members of the Western desert Aboriginal art movement. He was an extremely innovative artist who depicted traditional ceremonial ground designs as abstract depictions on canvass and board.

 

Australian mythical art--The Death of the Moon Woman---Ainslie Rroberts

‘The Death of the Moon Woman’ –— Ainslie Rroberts

 

 

 

Peter Coad - White Swan

Peter Coad – White Swan

 

 

PCoad_Southern Boobook Study bush owl

Peter Coad – ‘Southern Boobook Study’

 

 

‘Big Wet’ – Arone Meeks

 

 

 

Purrukuparli ngirramini-Harold-Porkilari--1992--Melville Island,-Northern Territory

‘Purrukuparli ngirramini’ – Harold Porkilari

1992–Melville Island,-Northern Territory

 

 

Renita Stanley---'Malilanya'---Outstation-Gallery---Aboriginal-Art-from-Art-Centres

Renita Stanley—‘Malilanya’

Outstation Gallery

 

 

APY Lands artists

 

 

Robyn Latham-ceramic vessels

Robyn Latham ceramic pod vessels.

Forged with the elements, earth, fire, water, air and space, the patina of the works is created from a terra sigillata slip and then saggar fired in she-oak leaves. Importantly, the She-oak tree is sacred to Yamatji women.

Shepparton Art Museum

 

 

Robin Kankaankatja-indigemous art

Robin Kankaankatja

 

 

Robert Kelty ceramic art

SAM Ceramic Art Awards – Robert Kelty

 

 

 

Shellie Christian_Bird Totem sculpture

Shellie Christian  – ‘Bird Totem’

 

 

Shirley Purdie

Shirley Purdie

 

 

Stephen Bowers---Australian-Bravura-Original-Ceramic-Artist

Stephen Bowers

 

 

Tarisse King---‘The Land’

Tarisse King—‘The Land’

 

 

Tjimpuna Williams,-Ernabella-Ceramics,-Tali---Sand Dunes,-2015,-Stoneware,-H-47

Tjimpuna Williams, Tali—Sand Dunes

2015,-Stoneware, H-47cn

Ernabella Ceramics

 

 

Thrive-Yellena James underwater ocean theme indigenous art

‘Thrive’ – Yellena Jame

 

 

Turbo Japingka---Black Cockatoos painting

Turbo Japingka—‘Black Cockatoos’

 

 

Tjunkaya Tapaya

Tjunkaya Tapaya

 

 

'Dreamtime'-glass vases by Chris Pantano

‘Dreamtime’ glass vases by Chris Pantano

 

 

Tiddalic Fountain Mural – Glenn Romanis

Thornbury, Melbourne

 

 

Vicki Cullinan-Lines----APY lands

Vicki Cullinan – ‘Lines’

APY lands

 

 

Vintage-Arthur-Boyd-Small-Aboriginal-Hunting-Scene-Wall-Plate-Signed

Arthur Boyd – Aboriginal Hunting Scene plate

 

 

Vintage kangaroo sgraffito vase

Vintage kangaroo sgraffito vase

 

 

Wandjina-1980---Alec Mingelmanganu-(c1905-1981)-Australia

‘Wandjina’ — Alec Mingelmangan

1980

 

Pepai-Jangala-Carroll ceramic glazed vase

Pepai Jangala Carroll ceramic glazed sgrafitto vase

Height 30cm

 

 

Yinipunga,-the sacred totemic turtle--Narritjin Maymuru painting on baark

‘Yinipunga, the sacred totemic turtle’ — Narritjin Maymuru

Natural pigment painting on bark

 

 

 

 

2 Comments

  1. Sue Barstow
    Posted May 6, 2020 at 9:45 am | Permalink

    So good to see all these works especially seeing wecknew many of the artists over 40 years we have been involved , Thankyou

  2. Anonymous
    Posted May 6, 2020 at 3:18 pm | Permalink

    Very impressive indeed

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