Australian Aboriginal Art in Switzerland
Switzerland, renowned for its precision, innovation, and deep-rooted appreciation for the arts, extends an invitation to explore the captivating world of Australian Aboriginal Art. As the Kunsthaus Zürich houses an extensive collection of artworks from various eras and cultures, this guide is designed to help art lovers traverse the Swiss art scene, directing them to galleries and spaces that spotlight the intricate storytelling and vibrant patterns of Australian Aboriginal Art. These venues provide an exceptional opportunity to engage with an art form that is both ancient and profoundly relevant, drawing parallels with Switzerland's own commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
From the cosmopolitan city of Zürich, reminiscent of its vibrant Bahnhofstrasse, to the serene and picturesque galleries in locales like Basel and Geneva, Switzerland offers a variety of settings for appreciating Australian Aboriginal Art. These spaces function as cultural intermediaries, similar to the role of the Swiss National Museum, forging connections between Swiss audiences and the rich traditions of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Set against a backdrop of alpine landscapes and innovative urban environments, these establishments offer a unique platform for the exploration and understanding of Aboriginal art.
Whether you are delving into the art scene of Lucerne or discovering hidden gems in smaller Swiss towns, these venues provide access to the mesmerising world of Australian Aboriginal Art. Join us on this artistic journey through Switzerland, as we highlight the best places to connect with the ancient stories, vibrant colours, and intricate designs of one of the world’s oldest living cultures.
Galleries in Switzerland featuring Australian Aboriginal Art
Gagosian
The Gagosian Gallery, celebrated globally for its contemporary art, has solidified its esteemed reputation through showcasing modern and cutting-edge art from iconic figures such as Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons. Renowned for its high-quality exhibitions and a diverse array of artistic expressions, the gallery represents the forefront of the contemporary art scene. Its foray into exhibitions like “Desert Painters of Australia” reflects its expanding cultural breadth, illustrating a commitment to embracing a diverse range of artistic narratives, including Australian Aboriginal Art. This approach underlines The Gagosian’s influential role in shaping trends and fostering cultural diversity within the international art community.
Image: Kungka Kutjarra by Makinti Napanangka. Image Via Gagosian.
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Museum Rietberg
The Museum Rietberg in Zurich is renowned for its extensive collection of non-European art, particularly from Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania. Its blend of traditional and modern architecture reflects its diverse collection, which ranges from ancient artifacts to contemporary artworks. While the museum has a strong focus on Asian art, it also explores global artistic expressions, inviting dialogue between different cultures and time periods. Its commitment to showcasing a variety of global art forms makes it a significant cultural institution.
Image: Museum Rietberg
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The Museum of Australian Aboriginal Art “La Grange”
The Museum of Australian Aboriginal Art “La Grange” in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is a unique institution dedicated to the art and culture of Australian Aboriginal peoples. Housed in a restored 16th-century barn, the museum showcases a wide range of Aboriginal art, from traditional to contemporary. It hosts special exhibitions which deepen understanding of Aboriginal art’s themes and symbolism. The museum serves as a cultural bridge, enhancing the appreciation and recognition of Australian Aboriginal art in Europe.
Image: Wangkatjungka Desert Country, a Wangkatjungka Collaborative Painting. Image via The Museum of Australian Aboriginal art “La Grange”
ViewWhat is Aboriginal art?
Aboriginal art is part of the culture of Australian Aboriginal people who have lived on the Australian continent for over 50,000 years. They represent the longest continuous culture to be found anywhere on earth. Examples of Aboriginal art are found in caves and rock shelters, and the oldest of these have been dated back at least 18,000 years.
When did Aboriginal art start / how old is Aboriginal art?
Aboriginal art is part of the oldest continuous living culture in world history, with Australian Aboriginal people having settled on the Australian continent somewhere between 60,000 and 80,000 years ago. Evidence of Aboriginal culture is found in the rock art, which so far has been dated back at least 20,000 years, while archaeology has dated ancient campsites back to 50,000 to 65,000 years. Contemporary Aboriginal art is considered to start at the desert community of Papunya in 1971, when senior desert men began to paint their cultural stories using modern materials. This was prompted by school teacher Geoffrey Bardon requesting that school children paint their own stories, leading the senior men to open up their deeply held cultural knowledge to outside observers. The Papunya Tula desert art movement then influenced other communities to join the art movement through the following decades.
Where did Aboriginal art come from?
Australian Aboriginal people had two traditional forms of communication. These were oral storytelling and song as well as visual communication through drawing, painting and the use of ceremonial design. There was no written language, however for many survival depended on the ability to remember where food and water sources could be found at different times of the year. Aboriginal artists often paint maps of Country showing important landmarks. They often use an aerial perspective even when they have never been in a plane.
What is “Dreaming” (or “Dreamtime”) in Aboriginal art?
At the heart of Aboriginal culture and therefore of Aboriginal art, is the Creation law set down in the Dreaming, which provides the identity for traditional Aboriginal people and their connection to the land. Dreamtime is one translation of the Creation time for Aboriginal people, other terms often seen are Jukurrpa and Tingari - the term used varies according to the particular local language. Many Aboriginal artists paint aspects of their Dreaming, which forms part of their inheritance and their identity.
Read More: Aboriginal Art and the Dreamtime
Can I learn about specific Dreaming stories (e.g., Seven Sisters, Water Dreaming)?
Yes, Japingka’s guides cover stories like Seven Sisters (Pleiades) and Water Dreaming, explaining cultural context and how artists depict them.
Read More: Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories
What is dot painting and where did it come from?
Australian Aboriginal dot paintings are typical of a style of art works from the Central and Western Desert. They are a medium for telling stories and enlivening culture.
Read More: Aboriginal Dot Painting
Japingka Gallery ships Aboriginal artworks worldwide. View artwork collections.