Aboriginal art paintings serve as one of the most important art forms in Australia today. Although different types of materials are now used in modern interpretations of this art form, the use of traditional symbols and art style help keep this olden culture alive. It is a tradition that has been practiced for thousands of years and it is considered as one of the oldest living art forms today.
Aboriginal art paintings are a fusion of both modernization and abstract means. Although today, the approach to aboriginal art paintings still makes use of the traditional methods.
Traditionally, aboriginal art paintings make use of pigments and a binder. Pigments used works as a shade. Ochre is a commonly used pigment, it is derived from a rock containing iron dioxide. When this rock is grinded it produces colours that range from light yellow to strong brown red, which is typical for aboriginal art paintings. Dissolving the powdered form in water will give you paint.
One of the most popular aboriginal art paintings come from the Yolngu people, they are indigenous Australian people that used paint brushes for their work of art. This was made popular by the Yolngu people who inhabited the Arnhem Land. Artists utilized wood barks for their canvass, where the different shades of ochre were painted on. This type of painting is called fine cross-hatching; it was the most well known Aboriginal art before the emergence of the Western Desert art movement.
Aborigines are also known for a different type of painting called dot painting. This was the traditional art form of Aborigines from the western Australia central desert. As the name suggests, this art form uses small dots of paint to create patterns and symbols. The Aborigines would use their dreams and thoughts as their inspiration for this type of art. This type of painting would sometimes be done on their bodies and shields for decoration purposes, but more often than not, it was used for different rituals the people had.
Aboriginal art paintings have made a big impact on Australia’s art and culture, and are one of the most iconic forms of art today. The continued presence and expression of Aboriginal art in today’s society is indeed astounding.