Aboriginal Prints And Printmaking

part 1

An introduction by Roger Butler, Senior Curator of Australian Prints, National Gallery of Australia.

The first prints by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists were not produced until the late 1960's, and it was not until the 1970's that a sustained interest in this 'new' technique developed. Originally the impetuous for experimentation was from non-indigenous art advisors, and later, publishers of limited edition prints.

For many Aboriginal artists the use of printmaking methods was like an extension of traditional practice. The engraving of wood and linoblocks is a similar process to the incising of designs on stone or the surfaces of wooden sculptures and utilitarian objects. The sequential overprinting of colours in screenprinting is paralleled in the way traditional bark paintings are realised, and the same chalky opaque colours can be obtained.

Concurrently with this development in traditional homelands was the emergence of a generation of urban-based Aboriginal artists who had trained in Western art traditions and techniques. Art schools and print workshops also began to invite Aboriginal artists to participate in their programmes. More recently print workshops have been established by a number of Aboriginal communities.

Since the early 1980's prints by Aboriginal artists have been widely exhibited both in Australia and overseas. The success of exhibitions such as New Tracks Old Land and the marketing of works through The Australian Art Print Network has vastly increased the accessibility and public appreciation of prints by Aboriginal artists.

Prints by Aboriginal artists are no recognised as being the most dynamic art being produced in Australia. This new catalogue will undoubtedly increase the audience for Aboriginal prints.

Roger Butler,
Senior Curator of Australian Prints,
National Gallery of Australia.

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Part 1 |

Part 2

DENNIS NONA CURRENT SOLO EXHIBITION

Sesserae: New Works by Dennis Nona

Paris, London, Sydney, Brisbane

Dennis Nona is widely acknowledged as one of, if not the most, important living Torres Strait Islander artist.

This exhibition of installations, limited edition linocuts, etchings and cast bronze sculptures showcases the artist's most recent work.

PARIS
The Australian Embassy
6 April - 8 June, 2006

LONDON
Rebecca Hossack Gallery
35 Windmill Street,
LONDON (Dates TBA)

SYDNEY
31 Lamrock Avenue
BONDI BEACH, NSW
30 March - 16 April, 2006

BRISBANE
Dell Gallery, Queensland College of Art
BRISBANE, QLD
3 June - 10 July 2005

OTHER EXHIBITION VENUES
Other Australian and overseas venues and dates to be announced.

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