ART FROM AUSTRALIA

ABORIGINAL STORIES & TREASURES

ABOUT THE PEOPLE

• The Aborigines lived on the continent of Australia for 40,000 years before the British arrived in the 1770s.

• Their art is the oldest continuing artistic tradition in the world.

• Like the Native people living in North America, there are many Aboriginal clans, languages, beliefs, and artistic traditions.

• Despite their differences, all Aborigines share a belief in Dreamtime. This is their story of creation.

• Aborigines generally lived as hunter-gatherers which means they are dependent on the earth for food, clothing, and shelter. This lifestyle has created deep connections and respect for the land.

• Aboriginal artists are not allowed to paint anything they want. They must receive permission from their clan when they work.

ABOUT THE ART

• Older Aboriginal art used paint colors made from natural clays and charcoal. That’s why most ancient art is black, white, brown or red.

• Ancient paintings have been found at a site called Ayers Rock. These works are over 10,000 years old.

ABOUT THE ART – MODERN ABORIGINAL ART

• Artists today learned how to paint from their ancestors – they do not go to art school.

• Modern artists use bright colors

• Concentric circles, lines, and dots are often found in Aboriginal art. Some people believe that the dots were added to cover up sacred Aboriginal symbols.

• Most Aboriginal art highlights the natural world

Turtle & His Brothers by C. Dan Purches

• This piece of artwork is called “Jupiter and the 10 Moons” by Barbara Merritt

• Notice the dots and concentric circles in her work.

• This piece of art is called “Gaya Dari (Platypus)” by C. Dan Purches

• Notice the lines and dots in his work.

The Konidderie Weedah(The Rainbow Bower Bird)

By C. Dan Purches

ABOUT THIS PICTURE• The Rainbow Bower bird doesn’t

exist…the picture represents the nests made by the bird.

• The real Weedah is a plain brown bird. What makes it special is that it creates an elaborate nest. The birds work on the nest (bower) for 4-5 hours a day for 2 weeks. The bird will even add colorful and reflective items to the nest to attract a female bird. Once the female bird lays the eggs, she leaves and the male bird raises the baby birds.

• Isn’t nature amazing?!

NOW ITS TIME FOR YOU TO CELEBRATE NATURE!

• Using bright colors, and special patterns (concentric circles, lines, and dots) you can create your own picture in the style of the Aborigines.• Select one of your favorite things about nature. It could

be an animal, plant, the sun, or even the night sky. • Draw your picture in the middle of the page – on an angle if you can. Color it brightly and add special patterns on and around it.