When you look at indigenous art for the first time, you may be overwhelmed. There are certainly a lot of elements to see: vivid colours, interesting symbols, amazing characters, and countless dots – it looks mysterious but difficult to understand. The truth is, you could be looking at a story that has been passed on for generations.
Australian indigenous culture dates back at least 60,000 years but there is no written language for Australian Aboriginal People. Indigenous art is not illustrated for decorative purposes, but a vital tool to convey knowledge of their land, events and beliefs for the next generation. These paintings were drawn on rock walls, used in body paint or on ceremonial articles and importantly, drawn in sand or dirt accompanied by the song or story.
Up until the 1970s, the knowledge of Aboriginal culture was mostly kept secret from outsiders. Only an Aboriginal artist can seek permission to paint a story that belongs to him or her through family lineage. Each tribe has symbols and colours that relate to meaning. One piece of artwork can convey different layers of meaning to different groups of audiences.
In 1971, a school teacher named Geoffrey Bardon was sent to teach in the primary school at Papunya, a remote Aboriginal settlement located 240km west of Alice Springs. He observed the Aboriginal men drawing in the sand while telling stories and influenced a group of tribal elders to decide what stories could be shared with outsiders in the form of painting on canvas. It was the beginning of the Aboriginal art movement. However, without a good understanding and sincere respect, the knowledge of Aboriginal culture was not properly managed and protected.
There was a pressing demand for change. In the light of the Reconciliation Action Plan program initiated in 2006, Indigenous Art is transforming business culture in Australia. Many organisations have decided to incorporate Indigenous Art in their workplace design as an example of their endorsements for RAP programs.
WINYA works closely with a group of Indigenous artists to develop a huge range of bespoke Indigenous fabrics. We have guided our clients to choose the right artwork for their office furnishings, such as a boomerang lounge at the ATO office, ottomans at the Australian National Library, and a Custom S lounge at the Department of Education. There are many Indigenous designs to choose from, every piece of artwork tells a different story.
Which story would you like to show your visitors? Let WINYA help you to find out.