Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art
Issue 10:1&2 | June 1990
Classic groundbreaking double issue. Reprinted by demand. Looks at traditions in evolution, the role of Art in the survival of the culture, the art market and legal issues, the issues faced by artists working in isolation, indigenous film, video and radio, with a wide range of individual artists profiles and discussions of art practice in remote and urban communities. A unique early documentation of the early days of Aboriginal art in Australia.
In this issue
Aboriginal Arts in Australia 1990
Original dreaming. Aboriginal people believe that the spirit ancestors watch over us today to ensure the laws are kept and that punishment is inflicted if broken. Photograph of Yuendume women dancing.
A memorial for the dead: Commemorating 200 years of loss
In 1988 the artists of Ramingining, a remote Central Arnhem Land community, were responsible for perhaps the most-moving political statement made during Australia’s bicentenary year. Djon Mundine tells UK-based anthropologist Howard Morphy, how this extraordinary monument came to be made.
An Artist's Project: Banduk Marika
Margie West talks to NE Arnhem Land artist Banduk Marika about artists working in Yirrkala, an Aboriginal community. She addresses traditional ceremonies today, the appropriate use of traditional designs, payment for work, copyright, and working to redress environmental damage to the beaches and lands by regenerating native trees and plants.
East to West: Land in Papunya Tula Painting
Painting movement at Papunya 1971-75 one of the few positive offshoots of the Government's Assimilation Policy. Senior men began to paint on boards and made murals for the school, initially showing sacred secret material, later self-censored. Paintings use complex patterning and dotting to describe formation of land by Ancestors, natural features and travel.
Utopia
The people of Utopia have been making important visual images for thousands of years, on their bodies and ceremonial objects. In 1977 these images leapt onto lengths of silk via the batik technique and it was in this medium that the women of Utopia went on to establish a reputation for themselvs with their powerful images and distinctive style.
Country in Mind
In the 1940s the name Albert Namatjira became a household word and the skill of this Arrernte artist brought the vivid colours and beauty of the central Australian landscape into the galleries and living rooms of Australia. He and other painters who lived around Hermannsburg mission and in Alice Springs came to be known as the Arrernte watercolour school.
Milpatjunanyi: Recent Pitjantjatjara Women's Painting
The Pitjantjatjara share a common heritage with Anangu (Aboriginal people) throughout the vast Western desert. They use the same rich vocabulary of visual symbols that has now become well known through the work of the Papunya Tula artists.
Abie Jangala
Looks at the works of Abie Jangala from Lajamanu and the country about 500 kilometres north west of Alice Springs.
Two Artists from Yuendumu
Interview with Norah Nelson and Frank Bronson of Warlukurlangu Artists of Yuendumu prior to their first solo exhibition 'Our Dreaming' at the Dreamtime Gallery Perth Western Australia 18 February - 10 March 1990 Perth Festival.
Paddy Fordham Wainburranga
Paddy inherited his unique style of painting form his father and father before him. It is the old 'style'.
Doris Gingingara
Article about the artist and her works from Western Australia.
Isolation: Jimmy Pike and Patricia Lowe in the Great Sandy Desert
There can be few artists who live and work in such isolation as does Jimmy Pike. His isolation is not merely geographical, though our camp on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert is two and a half hours' drive in dry weather from Fitzroy Crossing and inaccessible in dry weather, but also social and artistic.
Warlukurlangu Artists
Emerging from the heart of central Australia is the most exciting and dynamic development in modern Australian art. The materials are modern -acrylic on canvas. But the content is traditional - mythical and ritual.
Jukurrpa
Jujurrpa is a Warlpri word meaning Dreaming and it is the Dreamtime stories that are depicted on the canvases of a group of Warlpri, Pitjantjatjara, Luritja and Anmatyerre women from the Alice Springs area.
Keringke Arts
Looks at the Santa Teresa Community 80 kilometres south of Alice Spring and home of the Arrernte people where the Keringke Arts Centre was established in 1987.
Tiwi Designs
Bathurst and Melville Islands lie of the north coast of Australia about 100 kms from Darwin. They are the home to the Tiwi. As a result of the isolation of Tiwi people their culture has developed independently from others on the mainland. This is reflected in their art which is very bold.
Yolngu Women Artists
If the 70s is remembered as a period of nurture for Aboriginal art, the 1980s will certainly be remembered as the decade of its dramatic development...there has been an eflorescence of community based enterprises in the remote areas of Australia.
Maningrida: Traditions Open to Change
Maningrida Art and Craft is synonymous with the best of contemporary traditional Aboriginal bark painting and sculpture, both major individual works and important collections.
Kinship and the Dreaming
Looks at a family history project beginning with the Koonibba Mission in South Australia.
Art Co-ordinator: No ordinary job
Howard Morphy interviews Djon Mundine at Ramingining in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
Money, Corruption and Authenticity
Whatever capital city one may visit these days, there will usually be an art gallery exhibiting works from the latest Aboriginal art movement. The demand for Aboriginal painting has probably doubled every year over the past decade and nowhere is this more evident than in central Australia.
To Clean a Rusty ANCAA
The Association of Northern and Central Australian Aboriginal Artists.
FAIRA: Cultural Heritage Initiatives in Queensland
The Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action is an independent Aboriginal community based and controlled organisation located in Brisbane Queensland.
Superstar or Generic
Should art centres cater more for the few 'Top Quality' artists that each has or should they support and encourage artistic activities by all who are interested?
Copyright and Issues of Appropriation
This is the text of the Copyright session given at the National Aboriginal Artists Forum Art Gallery of Western Australia February 1989.
The Aboriginal Copyright Cases
At the 1988 Conference in Broome the author spoke of the growing unlawful use of Aboriginal art by T shirt companies and the fashion industry generally.
Aurukun and Comalco
This is a critical time in the history of the wider region of Cape York Peninsula.
Review of the Review
In 1989, Jon Altman, Chris McGuigan and Peter Yu were asked by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs to look into the viability of the Aboriginal Arts and Crafts industry, to point to ways to improve its efficiency and effectiveness and to advise which government programs could give cost effective support to the industry and to recommend managing and marketing strategies.
Pitchat and Beyond
Until recently, Pitjantjatjara communities had very limited acces to or influence from mainstream media, communications, technology and information systems. English is still a foreign language to most of the population and functional levels of literacy are very low.
Poetry in Review
Aboriginal poet Ken Canning ( Burraga Gutya) looks at the nature of poetry. 3 poems of Burraga Gutya included in the issue.
Murris' Coming Out Show
Hello. My name is Marshall Bell. I live at Inala in Queensland. My father was from the famous Jiman Tribe of Hornet Hill massacre mob. My mother was from the Kamilaroi nation Gunedah/Kooma clans. I was born at the now defunct Charleville Aboriginal reserve in the desert of south west Queensland. Having been living off my art for the last 5 years in a suppressive Queensland environment, I think I know what it is like to be living in isolation.
The Struggle Continues
In every area of the arts where Aborigines are participating there is an intense surge of creative vitality. Once could call it a renaissance period. When I began writing poetry, Kath Walker (Oodgeroo Noonucul) was the only recognised poet.
A Playwrights Story
"In January 1989, I attended the second national Black Playwrights conference. I arrived at this conference feeling very unsure and insecure with nine small scenes which I had hoped would turn in to a play."
Jabiru
"I joined the Jabiru Cabaret in Cairns as one of the ten founding cast members in November 1988. The excitement for me as a performer, is to bridge the gap of understanding between various races, colours, cultures and countries. To witness the audience reaction to us as a group performing in three distinct areas makes us all feel very close to achieving the message of a minority through our art."
ANTT Aboriginal National Theatre Trust Limited
The Aboriginal National Theatre Trust Limited arose out of Forums of Aboriginal Performing Artists, Playwrights and Technicians attending the first National Black Playwrights Conference held at the Australian National University in Canberra 1987.
Aboriginal Theatre in Tasmania
"From the time that whites arrived in Tasmania and up until 1983 Aboriginal performing arts especially theatre arts, had become almost as extinct as whites would have people believe Tasmanian Aborigines were. Not so!"
Aboriginal Music; Broome Style: Towards Bran Nue Dae
Broome, sleepy, dusty, sub-tropical country town on the north west of Western Australia, with a population of only 7,000 has at least 5 working bands including the well known bands Kuckles and Scrap Metal - a myriad of solo performers as well as traditional Aboriginal musicians.
Aboriginal Rock Festival
It's now early September 1989 and Aboriginal Rock Bands from the Northern Territory and interstate are travelling by any means possible to Darwin for the Sing Loud Play Strong 2nd Festival of Aboriginal Rock Music.
Radio Redfern - The Koori Voice in Sydney
Located in an old terrace house in Cope Street Redfern, is the voice of the Aboriginal Community in Sydney. The terrace house is not unlike any other in the inner city. However with the Koori colours on one wall and the music of Koori bands blasting out from its speakers up on the balcony the house is fairly outstanding.
Black Radio in Cairns
Explores Aboriginal radio in far north Queensland.
Night Cries - A Rural Tragedy; A film by Tracey Moffatt
Two people suspended in a soundscape - a space punctuated by a stark and corrosive sound. The wail of a dingo, an owl, the grating beat of an iron lung, a gasp, a cry for breath and above all a cacophony of memory.
Australia to the World
In the choice of Rover Thomas and Trevor Nickolls to echibit in the Australian Pavilion at the 1990 Venice Biennale, Australia will present a combination that challenges many conventional attitudes to Aboriginal art. Simultaneously the exhibition offers an appropriate platform to two important if highly idiosyncratic contemporary painters.
Letter From Arnhem Land Where All the Real Art's Supposed To Be
"How many people still think that up north or in the centre is the only place for real Aboriginal art. You know when you work with it, selling it, buying it, you hear it all the time."
The Bicentenary and Beyond: Recent Developments in Aboriginal Printmaking
The period of 1986 - 1989 has been epoch making for Aboriginal printmaking, not necessarily because of an improvement in the quality of the prints produced during that time but because Aboriginal prints in forums broadly motivated by the centenary has allowed them to receive the recognition they deserve.
Balance Stories
Two alternative opinions on Australia's most obvious cultural exchange - Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal- was the original conception of Balance 1990 Views, Visions, Influences - a collaborative exhibition originally titled Balance 1988: Two views One Vision. Beginning by artists sitting and talking it became obvious that there were more than just two perspectives.
Balance 1990
Exhibition review Balance 1990 held at Queensland Art Gallery and curated by Michael Eather and Marlene Hall, March 1990.
Mecca for Printmakers
Looks at the Canberra School of Art Print Workshop has played a key role in encouraging Aboriginal artist to make prints.
From Yuendumu to Paris
Explores a historic trip for six traditional artists from Australia for the exhibition 'Magicians of the Earth'. This global overview was created to "reveal the force of communication" and was true to its title.
Lin Onus - Cultural Mechanic
Contemplating the work of Lin Onus the artist, the arts administrator and the panel beating mechanic.
Mural at Port Lincoln: Kerry Giles and Melanie Howard
Kerry Giles and Melanie Howard talking to Felicity Wright about the mural in Port Lincoln South Australia.
Kurwingie
Article by the artist about her art practice.
Peter Dabah
Dabah was the Aboriginal Artist in residence at the Flinders University 1989 - 1990.
Robert Campbell Junior
The artist talks about his art practice.
Milton Budge
Looks at the art practice of Milton Budge.
Bluey Roberts: Interview
Two Profiles from Cairns: Tatipai Barsa and Zane Saunders
Looks at the art practice of two artists from the Cairns College of TAFE and the Associate Diploma of Art.
Les Griggs
Examines the paintings of Les Griggs.
Judy Watson
Looks at the paintings of Judy Watson.
Shane Pickett
Looks at the works of West Australian artist Shane Pickett.
Wanjidari
Looks at the art practice of Wanjidari.
Ellen Jose
The artist writes about her art practice.
Donna Leslie
Looks at the art practice of Donna Leslie.
Gordon Bennett: Expressions of Constructed Identity
Gordon Bennett interviewed on the development of his work.
Maree Clarke
Looks at the art practice of Maree Clarke.
Power Institute Program on Aboriginal Art in Australian Society
The Power Institute at the University of Sydney ran a 10 week program devised by Susan Simons and Bronwyn Bancroft of panel discussions, presentations, films/videos and seminars exploring many of the issues of Aboriginal art in Australian society.
Gayle Maddigan
Looks at the art practice of Victorian artist Gayle Maddigan.
Narrangunnawali in Canberra
Narrangunnawali was an exhibition by Aboriginal artists from Canberra and the surrounding region mounted by the Canberra Contemporary Art Space 31 August - 23 September 1989.
Sally Morgan Speaks
The artist speaks about her art practice.
Designer Aboriginals
Looks at her art practice and design issues, copyright and textiles.
Jumbana Designs
John and Ros Moriarty of Jumbuna Designs in interview.
Desert Designs
Examines the Desert Designs Company formed by Stephen Culley and David Wroth which began in the early 1980s.
Tandanya: Australia's First Aboriginal Cultural Institute
Article which looks at Tandanya - Australia's first Aboriginal Cultural Institute located in Adelaide South Australia.
Boomalli
Looks at the artist's co-operative Boomalli located in Sydney NSW.
Vocational Arts Centre Cairns
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Education Centre in Cairns is a vocational school of Arts aimed at the development and realisation of Aboriginal artistic talent.
Aboriginal Community College - Port Adelaide
The broad aims of the Aboriginal Community College in Port Adelaide, South Australia, are to provide time, space, and resources to Aboriginal people that will allow them to make discoveries about themselves, their heritage and their environment, and to move in directions that they establish as relevant to themselves and/or their community.
Dumbartung Aboriginal Corporation
Dumbartung Aboriginal Corporation meaning 'we of the people' is a West Australian Aboriginal organization which aims to promote dance, drama, writing, painting, sculpture, craftwork, music and any other Aboriginal art...
Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music
Located in the University of Adelaide in South Australia the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music was set up in 1972 in order that many aboriginal people both urban and tribal may develp effective skills of communicating their cultural, social, political and economic feelings through music to Australian people and the world at large.
Waringarri Arts Centre
Located in Kununurra Western Australia Waringarri Arts was set up for artists in the Kimberley region.
Birrukmarri
Birukmarri is an exhibition gallery and retail outlet with a commitment to the professional retailing of Aboriginal art.
Art After the Controversy
Looks at the art practice in Moree in north western NSW.
Bangarra
'Bangarra' is a Wiradjeri word meaing to make fire and the dance company so named has sparked enthusiasm for its performances in countries as far afield as Japan, New Guinea, the USA and Finland.
Flinders University of South Australia: Aboriginal Artists in Residence Programme
Describes the vital and valuable Aboriginal artists in residence program at the Flinders University of South Australia.
Aboriginal Arts Unit Australia Council
The Aboriginal Arts Board was dis-established in June 1989...the Australia Council established the Aboriginal Arts Committee to replace the Board.
Bibliography
Supplementary bibliography to the major work by Adrian Marrie 1987 'A Topical bibliography of Australian Aboriginal Visual Arts 3' ed ASTEC SA College of Advanced Education (now the University of South Australia) Underdale SA.