Central Desert
The country where contemporary Aboriginal painting on canvas began, and where Dreaming narratives are mapped as if seen from above.
About this country
The Central Desert covers the vast arid country radiating out from Mparntwe (Alice Springs) — taking in Papunya, Yuendumu, Utopia, Haasts Bluff and Kintore.
It was at Papunya in 1971 that senior men began transferring ceremonial ground designs onto board, an act that opened the contemporary Aboriginal art movement and changed Australian art permanently. Works from this country are typically read as aerial maps of Country: concentric shapes, connecting paths and fields of dotted infill that both describe and protect the Tjukurrpa (Dreaming) held by the artist.
Language groups of the region include Luritja, Pintupi, Warlpiri, Anmatyerre, Arrernte and Alyawarr. Utopia in particular is known for batik and for a looser, gestural approach to paint, while Warlpiri work from Yuendumu is often built from bold linear structure and high-key colour.
Art from Central Desert
No works from this region are listed at the moment
Our holdings change constantly, and much of what arrives is sold before it is photographed. Tell us what you are looking for from Central Desert and we will let you know when something suitable comes in.
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