Aboriginal Art (World of Art)

The perfect introduction to Aboriginal art for students, travellers, art lovers and collectors, now in its fourth edition.

This concise survey showcases the incredible, diverse work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait artists. Building on traditions that stretch back at least 50,000 years, these artists have long worked in a variety of contexts from the sacred and secret realm of ceremony to more public spheres. From isolated beginnings to post-colonialism and the present, Wally Caruana explains how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art has continually developed and responded to change; and considers the impact of urban living, the growth of local art centres that support the artists in these communities, and the recognition of women artists.

This new edition has been expanded and updated to include and reflect on important artists who have emerged in the last decade, with a focus on the burgeoning of activity in the Southern Desert region, Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands - all testament to Aboriginal art’s continued dynamism and vitality.

Review

'Extremely detailed and confident' - Randolph Stow, writer and novelist

'Sets a new standard in the depth and range of its coverage – both in the works reproduced, and in Caruana’s beautifully lean and well-researched text' - Professor Vivien Johnson, University of New South Wales

'An intelligent, well-illustrated pioneering work which speaks with authority' - Emeritus Professor Sasha Grishin, Australian National University, Canberra

'A comprehensive book that deals with Aboriginal art as a highly aesthetic and very accessible Australian form' - Judith McGrath, The Canberra Times

About the Author

Wally Caruana was Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, from 1984 to 2001, during which time he oversaw the development of one of the most important collections of Indigenous Australian art in a public museum. Caruana is now a Visiting Fellow in the Department of Art History, Australian National University, and the Senior Consultant, Aboriginal Art, to Sotheby’s Australia.