Australian Indigenous Art

Ancient–present

Australian Indigenous art encompasses one of the world’s oldest continuous artistic traditions. It includes rock painting, body art, weaving, and contemporary painting. Works often encode cultural knowledge, law, and connection to land. Contemporary practices adapt traditional symbols to new materials and global contexts.

Papunya Tula Dot Painting (early works)

Papunya Tula Artists

1971

Foundational dot paintings translating ceremonial designs into contemporary art.

Earth’s Creation

Emily Kame Kngwarreye

1994

Monumental painting expressing ancestral knowledge and connection to land.