Aboriginal artists today practise in one of the world's longest continuous tradition of art - and perhaps the last to be generally recognised. Widely sought after, aboriginal art has now taken its place in the cozlections of leading museums and galleries. This concise survey looks at the work of Australia's indigenous visual artists from all parts of the continent. Building on traditions that stretch back at least 50,000 years, many of the artists have worked in a variety of contexts, from the sacred and secret realm of ceremony to more public spheres, and in media including painting, sculpture, engraving, constructions, weaving and - most recently - photography, printmaking and textile design.

Table of Contents

Patterns of power - Arnhem Land and its surrounds; the art of place and journey - the desert; Land of the Wandjina - the Kimberley; diversity - North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands; artists in the town and city.

About the Author

Wally Caruana graduated in Fine Arts from the Canberra School of Art in 1975, and was for over twenty years Curator of Aboriginal Art at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.

Reviews

'Aboriginal art has been put on the map and this book provides a sure-footed guide' - The World of Interiors 'Offers extremely detailed and confident interpretations' - The Times Literary Supplement