Australian Aboriginal Art in France
France, a cradle of artistic revolutions, is home to iconic museums housing timeless classics and contemporary treasures. Among its diverse art exhibitions, French institutions also feature international Indigenous and Aboriginal art. As a country steeped in art history and celebrated for its contribution to the world of arts, France also exhibits Australian Aboriginal Art. As the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay stand as testaments to the country’s artistic heritage, this guide aims to illuminate the path for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike to local galleries showcasing the unique storytelling and visual splendour of Australian Aboriginal Art. Scattered across the country, these spaces reflect France’s deep respect and admiration for diverse art forms and cultures.
The galleries highlighted in this guide provide a French perspective on Australian Aboriginal Art. From the vibrant art districts in Paris, reminiscent of the iconic Montmartre, to the charming galleries in provincial towns, these venues echo the French penchant for art that speaks to the soul. They serve as cultural sanctuaries, akin to the Centre Pompidou, where the ancient narratives and rich traditions of Australia’s Indigenous peoples are celebrated and explored.
Whether you find yourself immersed in the bustling art scene of the French Riviera or exploring the artistic offerings of smaller regions, these establishments offer a unique opportunity to engage with and appreciate the depth and beauty of Australian Aboriginal Art. Join us in this artistic voyage across France, as we uncover the spaces that serve as custodians of one of the world’s oldest and most captivating art forms.
Galleries in France featuring Australian Aboriginal Art
Arts d’Australie – Stéphane Jacob
The Arts d’Australie – Stéphane Jacob is a distinguished art gallery specialising in Australian Aboriginal Art, known for its diverse collection that ranges from classic to contemporary pieces. It showcases a wide array of Aboriginal artists and is celebrated for thematic exhibitions that highlight the fusion of traditional storytelling with modern art forms. This gallery not only presents visually compelling artworks but also serves as a cultural bridge, deepening the understanding of Aboriginal culture and history.
Image: Mina Mina Jukurrpa by Christine Curtis Nakamarra. Image Via Arts d'Australie Stéphane Jacob
View
Australian Embassy in Paris
The Australian Embassy in Paris serves as a crucial cultural and artistic platform, particularly for showcasing Australian Aboriginal Art. It combines historical and contemporary Australian art in its collection, offering a rich narrative of Australia’s artistic evolution. The embassy hosts special exhibitions that highlight the spiritual and cultural depth of Aboriginal art, making it a significant venue for cultural exchange and appreciation of Australia’s unique art heritage.
Image: Australian Embassy in Paris
View
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.
View
Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
The Musée du Quai Branly in Paris is celebrated for its diverse collection of non-Western art, focusing on indigenous cultures, and has included Australian Aboriginal art in its exhibitions. These showcases highlight the museum’s commitment to global art narratives, offering insights into Aboriginal traditions and spirituality. The museum’s inclusive approach and unique architecture make it a significant venue for understanding indigenous artistic expressions worldwide.
Image: Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
View
Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris (Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris)
The Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris is a key cultural institution in Paris, primarily focused on European modern and contemporary art. Its occasional forays into showcasing art from other cultures, including Australian Aboriginal art, demonstrate its dedication to a diverse and inclusive approach to art. These exhibitions, when they occur, provide a rare and valuable perspective on global artistic traditions.
Image: Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris (Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris)
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.