National Reconciliation Week

From the 27 May 2020 until 3 June 2020 is National Reconciliation Week where we get the chance to celebrate the strengthening of relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

I firmly believe that Art in all its modes forms a conduit from one culture to another. Through art we can all gain a greater understanding of each other.

Albert Namatjira (28 July 1902 – 8 August 1959), born as Elea Namatjira, was a Western Arrernte-speaking Aboriginal artist from the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. As a pioneer of contemporary Indigenous Australian art, he was the most famous Indigenous Australian of his generation.²

Namatjira was in fact the first Australian Aborignal to paint with watercolour on paper.

Although Namatjira's paintings appear similar to conventional European landscapes, his work was imbued with his feeling for country and sacred sites. He used repetition, intricate patterns and high horizons to blend the styles of the two worlds he lived in.²

Aboriginal watercolour paintings..... 'Which ever style we use its still the same Dreaming story' said Australian Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira. Albert Namatjira first Australian Aboriginal artist to paint with watercolour on paper. Although he grasped the 'European style' of perspective, Namatjira depicted the Central Desert landscape as it had never been seen before. Central Art - Aboriginal art store recognises the importance of watercolour style to the Austalian Arrente people.⁵

For those of you are interested in this form of painting please check out the bookmark link below.

Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery, Luxurious Watercolour Paintings | Central Art Aboriginal Art Store

Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery, Luxurious Watercolour Paintings; Central Art specialises in the acquisition of quality Australian Aboriginal artworks from Central and Desert region of Central Australia

Central Art - Aboriginal Art Store

Art has been part of the Aboriginal life style since their world began. I have long followed the work being done by Community First Development (previously known as Indigenous Community Volunteers).

Below are two bookmark links to the stories which illustrate the wonderful work being done by Community First Development.

Two-way learning with mosaics — Community First Development

A powerful creative project with Wiluna Remote Community School.

Community First DevelopmentDeborah Stanley

Connecting to culture through radio - Ngaarda Media — Community First Development

The power of radio storytelling and art to bring communities together.

Community First DevelopmentDeborah Stanley

To celebrate Aboriginal artists and their works I want to take you back via Youtube to the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair held in November 2019.

If you would like to read more about National Reconciliation Week please follow the bookmark link below.

National Reconciliation Week | Reconciliation Australia

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) occurs on the 27 May - 3 June and is a chance for all Australians to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and achievements and our shared histories.

Reconciliation Australia

Credit:

1. sbs.com.au
2. en.wikipedia.org
3. painterskeys.com
4. artgallery.nsw.gov.au
5. reconciliation.org.au