In an article we read in class called “Thinking about Abstraction” in talks about where to place Aboriginal Art in the world of Contemporary Art. It also talks about the assimilation of Indigenous art within non-Indigenous artworks.
Is Aboriginal art abstract or not? That is a question that many people have been trying to answer. Most Aboriginal art does look abstract however have a story and meaning that needs to be explained to be understood. Big Yam Dreaming by Emily Kngwareye could be seen as an Abstract work of just white lines on Black, however, this piece represents important Aboriginal stories. Abstract art really doesn’t have a meaning, as it is created to just be essentially abstract. So this can maybe justify not putting an Abstract title on Aboriginal art. But do we simply just title the work as Aboriginal Art even though there are many different styles of Aboriginal art. For example do we place a work such as traditional dot painting against a more modern work such as Kngwareye in a gallery?
To me , its not Abstract, its contemporary as it has an underlying theme and concept which can only be 100% appreciated if you understand this concept. However this, I believe that Aboriginal Art should be displayed and titled under what ever the artist states it should be. If they say its Contemporary art, Then it is contemporary art.
image from http://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/utopia_the_genius_of_emily_kame_kngwarreye/behind_the_scenes/ ( Big Yam Dreaming by Emily Kngwareye)
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