Australian Aboriginal Art in Canada
Canada, a vast expanse of natural beauty and cultural diversity, boasts a thriving art scene that harmonises local and international influences. With its rich mosaic of cultures and artistic expression, it opens its doors to the unique art of Australian Aboriginal Artists. Just as the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa serves as a beacon for art from various cultures and eras, this guide is crafted to guide art enthusiasts across Canada’s vast expanse, pinpointing galleries and spaces that have exhibited Australian Aboriginal Art. These venues offer Canadians and visitors an invaluable opportunity to engage with an art form that speaks to universal themes of connection, land, and heritage.
From the bustling art scene in Toronto, reminiscent of the dynamic Distillery District, to the tranquil galleries in smaller towns like Banff, these spaces offer a diverse range of environments for exploring Australian Aboriginal Art. Much like the Art Gallery of Ontario connects visitors with a vast array of artistic expressions, these venues act as cultural conduits, bridging the gap between Canada’s appreciation for First Nations cultures and the traditions of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, these establishments provide a platform for genuine engagement with Aboriginal art.
Whether navigating the rich art offerings of Vancouver or exploring the cultural treasures in Montreal, these venues open doors to the captivating world of Australian Aboriginal Art. Join us as we traverse Canada’s diverse art scene, highlighting the best places to connect with the profound narratives, vibrant colours, and intricate patterns that define one of the world’s oldest and most captivating art forms.
Galleries in Canada featuring Australian Aboriginal Art
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto is a revered institution that successfully merges historical and contemporary art. Known for its comprehensive collections that include works from the First Nations, the Group of Seven, and European masters, the AGO has recently pivoted towards embracing modern art. Its exhibitions featuring Australian Aboriginal Art, facilitate cultural understanding, making the AGO a significant venue in the international art scene.
Image: Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
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Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto is celebrated for its diverse collections that span from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, making it a pivotal cultural institution. It skillfully blends historical and modern elements, evident in its architecture and exhibitions. The ROM has made significant strides in showcasing indigenous art. These exhibitions not only highlight traditional and modern Aboriginal artwork but also foster a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual aspects of Aboriginal life, underscoring the ROM’s role in bridging different cultures and histories.
Image: Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
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.