Indigenous

Aboriginal art is not about painting pretty pictures that look nice as is often the case with traditional European art, Aboriginal art is all about projecting meaning & conveying stories. Their art reveals a part of them, their life and purpose; which is all in turn interrelated with their dreaming. Design's and symbols convey a message which relates to their deeper selves - their dreaming faith and sacred beliefs. Aboriginal art is all about passing on their lifestyle and culture.

Their art isn't restricted to canvas; they use a number of creative mediums - the ground, rocks, trees, bark and anything else naturally available like themselves. Their art is more a personal creative expression rather than something that can be kept, fixed, bought or sold. Static art such as a fixed visual is but one part in relating the dreaming. Designs and symbols painted on their bodies help to compliment and convey a holistic arts exhibition through song, dance, fire and anything else that is creatively natural. Aboriginal art is a way of life, a part of everything they do and pass on through dreaming expression.

A painting to an Aboriginal would be like us having a book before our eyes, detailed symbols and intricate designs are like a piece of writing to an Aboriginal. Their art is the closest thing to a written form of communication; symbols, lines, patterns and colour all hold significant meaning. The Aboriginal learnt about traditions, sacred places and culture from their art. Paintings and other creative forms of art passed on dreaming knowledge without white realization.

European relating is essentially passed on through communication or information. To the Aboriginal, information is more a creative personal expression. All facets of the expressive forms of communication are carried out in relating. Individual ideology is often replaced with communal co-operation. You are not an isolated island but a part of each other and a part of the environment. Corroboree, ceremony and art all convey this simple message.