Contemporary Aboriginal art

Yumutjin Wunungmurra - A contemporary aboriginal artist and ceremonial leader from Northeast Arnhem Land, Australia.

I have always enjoyed work from those on the fringes of mainstream society. Ever since I accidentally fell upon Henry Darger in a New York beatnik bookshop back in 2003 I have been captivated by Outsider art. Darger's work, for instance, with its intricate and sprawling imaginary worlds, exemplifies the obsessive and compulsive quality we can see in these aboriginal artists . His pieces, created in isolation, offer a window into his unique perspective and inner life, which resonates with many who seek a more genuine and raw form of expression. Tribal art, Indigenous art, ethnographic art or folk art whichever floats your boat, it takes many forms and it never bores.

As if possessed by spirits, intuitive and instinctive, the patterns and symbols found in these works often reflect a deep connection to the natural world and ancestral traditions, offering a stark contrast to the often impersonal and commercialised cultural landscape of today.

The obsessive and compulsive quality that I feel reluctant to allow into my own work for fear of being too imperfect captivates me. It would feel like jumping off a cliff to shed the constraints one feels bound by existing in the art & design world but I know ultimately that is what we should do. I have carried these images with me no matter what the project for about 10 years now, forever coming back to reflect on their intricacy and wonder, gateways to another realm.

Look out for some wallpapers and fabrics inspired by these in 2024. I can’t wait to share with you, sign up to the newsletter to stay in loop.

Napuwarri Marawili (left) Tjunkiya Napaltjarri⁣ (right)