Exploring Visual Parallels: Aboriginal Art and Abstract Art

As an abstract artist, I’m constantly inspired by various art forms from around the world. This includes the rich symbolism and vibrant aesthetics of Aboriginal art.

I want to emphasise that this blog is not a comparison between Aboriginal art and abstract art.

Aboriginal art, with its 65,000-year-old tradition, stands alone in its cultural significance, depth and uniqueness.

As an artist, I deeply respect and appreciate Aboriginal art for its own merits.

This post is a personal reflection on some visual parallels I’ve noticed between Aboriginal art and abstract art.

It’s important to note that these are merely observations from my perspective as an abstract artist, and not an attempt to equate or compare these two distinct art forms.

This blog is the second in a series of five posts exploring similarities and parallels between abstract art and other art forms that fascinate me.

I recently wrote about the intriguing connections between Chinese ink wash painting and abstract art. You can read that post here: “Qi in Motion: Capturing Life’s Vitality Through Chinese Ink Wash Painting and Abstract Art”.

In future posts, I’ll be exploring unique African art, Islamic art and Indigenous art of the Americas.

Each of these traditions has its own rich history and cultural significance. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on the visual elements that resonate with my practice as an abstract artist.

Keep checking back for these upcoming posts.

Now, let’s look into some of the visual parallels I’ve observed between Aboriginal art and abstract art, always keeping in mind the distinct origins and cultural contexts of each.

The Power of Non-Representational Forms

Both Aboriginal art and abstract art often utilise non-representational elements, geometric patterns and bold colours.

In my own abstract works, I frequently use shapes and colours to express ideas or emotions that can’t be easily put into words.

Similarly, Aboriginal artists use dots, lines and symbolic patterns to represent complex cultural stories and spiritual concepts.

Take, for example, the mesmerising dot paintings of Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Her work “Emu Woman” is a stunning example of how abstract-looking patterns can hold deep cultural significance.

While it might appear as a purely abstract piece to the untrained eye, it actually represents the artist’s spiritual connection to her land.

Storytelling Through Abstraction

One of the most fascinating aspects of Aboriginal art is its use of abstraction for storytelling.

Traditional Aboriginal artwork often depicts Dreamtime stories or sacred sites through symbolic patterns. This concept of “purposeful abstraction with a story to tell” resonates with me as an abstract artist.

For instance, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri’s “Warlugulong” is a complex map of Dreamtime stories, represented through intricate patterns and symbols.

While my abstract paintings don’t carry the same ancestral weight, I do aim to convey narratives or emotions through my choice of colours, shapes and textures.

I wrote a blog about how I create my abstract paintings as storytelling. Have a look at this blog “Storytelling Through Abstract Painting”.

Understanding Dreamtime: The Heart of Aboriginal Art

Before we explore further parallels, it’s crucial to introduce a fundamental concept in Aboriginal culture: the Dreamtime.

The term “Dreamtime” or “Dreaming” describes the complex framework of unique beliefs, stories,  and knowledge held by different Australian Aboriginal groups.

Dreamtime isn’t just about the past; it’s an ongoing spiritual and cultural force that explains the creation of the world, establishes moral codes and connects Aboriginal people to their land and ancestors.

Each Aboriginal group has its own Dreamtime stories, which are often depicted in their art.

In Aboriginal art, seemingly abstract patterns and symbols often represent elements of these Dreamtime stories.

What might appear as a series of dots or concentric circles to an outsider could be a map of a sacred site or a depiction of an ancestral journey.

Understanding the concept of Dreamtime helps us appreciate the depth and significance of Aboriginal art beyond its visual appeal.

It reminds us that while we can admire the aesthetic qualities of Aboriginal art, its true meaning is deeply rooted in a rich and complex cultural tradition.

Spiritual and Philosophical Foundations

Many early abstract artists, like Wassily Kandinsky, were deeply interested in spiritual and philosophical concepts. They sought to express the intangible through their art.

Aboriginal art, too, is profoundly rooted in spiritual beliefs and cultural practices.

While I don’t personally follow any particular spiritual or philosophical doctrine in my work, I deeply believe in the power of letting go and allowing my innermost self to connect with the creation of art during the creative process.

This approach frees me from perceived expectations or predetermined results.

I believe that if you can reach your inner self, you can truly paint your feelings with your feelings.

This concept has resonated strongly with my audience – I’ve written a blog post titled “Painting Your Feelings” which has become one of my most popular pieces.

This idea of connecting with one’s inner self during the creative process shares some parallels with the spiritual aspect of Aboriginal art.

However, it’s crucial to understand that these foundations arise from entirely different cultural contexts.

The spiritual aspect of Aboriginal art is intrinsically linked to a 65,000-year-old culture, with deep connections to land, ancestors and Dreamtime stories.

My approach, and that of many Western abstract artists, is more individualistic and doesn’t carry the same ancestral and cultural weight.

In Aboriginal art, the act of creating is often a spiritual practice in itself, connecting the artist with their cultural heritage and ancestral stories.

While my process of ‘letting go’ might result in personal insights or emotional expression, it doesn’t hold the same cultural or spiritual significance as the creation of Aboriginal artwork.

Understanding these distinctions helps us appreciate both the universal human impulse to express the intangible through art and the unique cultural contexts that shape how this impulse manifests in different artistic traditions.

Breaking Traditional Boundaries

Both Aboriginal art and abstract art represent departures from strictly representational art forms, though in very different ways and for different reasons.

In my own artistic journey, I’ve experienced this shift firsthand.

Before venturing into abstract art, I primarily focused on figurative art, landscapes and photography. However, after several years, I found myself growing increasingly dissatisfied with my work in these areas.

I felt restricted and limited by representational art and its world full of rules. As an artist, I’ve always been averse to rules that constrain my creativity and imagination.

I kept looking for more challenges with fewer restrictions.

I wanted the freedom to express myself without the confines of realistic representation. (You can read more about my journey into abstract art on my “About” page).

It was during this search that I discovered my freedom of visual expression in the art of abstraction, particularly non-representational art.

In my abstract work, I follow no rules, despite what professional abstract artists or the art world might say.

This personal evolution mirrors, in some ways, the broader shift in Western art towards abstraction in the early 20th century.

Abstract artists sought to move beyond literal depiction of the physical world, exploring new ways to express ideas and emotions visually.

Aboriginal art, on the other hand, has its own unique relationship with abstraction.

Traditional Aboriginal artwork often appears abstract to Western eyes, but it’s important to understand that these works are deeply representational within their cultural context.

The symbols and patterns used have specific meanings and tell particular stories.

In recent decades, some Aboriginal artists have expanded beyond traditional forms, creating contemporary works that blend ancestral techniques with modern art practices.

Artists like Judy Watson, for example, create abstract works that are informed by their Aboriginal heritage but also engage with contemporary art discourses.

However, it’s crucial to note that this expansion in Aboriginal art comes from within the culture itself, as artists find new ways to express their identity and heritage in a changing world.

It’s not a rejection of tradition, but rather an evolution of it.

My journey into abstraction was a personal choice to break free from the constraints I felt in representational art.

For Aboriginal artists, the use of abstract-looking forms is an integral part of their artistic tradition, deeply rooted in culture and spirituality.

While both represent a form of ‘breaking boundaries’, they come from very different places and serve different purposes.

The Importance of Process and Materials

In my abstract work, I find that the process of creating is often as important as the final product.

(I’ve written a separate blog about “Process vs. Final Result: What Matters More in Art”).

Every time I select my colour palette, I can’t help but reflect on how easy it is for me to choose from dozens of paint colours and types.

If I don’t have the exact colour I need, I can easily mix it, buy it from an art shop or order it online. It’s a simple, almost effortless process.

But this ease of access makes me think about the Aboriginal artists of thousands of years ago when commercial paints weren’t even conceived.

How did they find, select and create their beautiful colours?

That process alone would have taken days, weeks or even longer just to locate, choose and make their paint colours. It’s truly amazing to consider.

With such primitive tools at their disposal, Aboriginal artists created some of the most mesmerising art some 65,000 years ago – art that still exists today.

This thought alone is worthy of immense respect and appreciation. It’s fascinating to contemplate the dedication, skill and deep connection to the land that went into creating these enduring works of art.

For many Aboriginal artists, the act of painting is a spiritual practice in itself.

The choice of materials, from natural pigments to modern acrylics, can hold significant meaning.

Traditional Aboriginal artists often use natural earth pigments or ochres, which are collected from sacred sites.

The process of gathering these materials is intrinsically linked to their connection with the land and their cultural heritage.

In contrast, while I carefully consider my choice of materials, it doesn’t carry the same spiritual or cultural weight.

However, I do find that the process of creating – the physical act of applying paint to canvas – can be a meditative and deeply personal experience.

Understanding the profound importance of materials and processes in Aboriginal art has given me a new appreciation for my own artistic practice.

It reminds me to be mindful of my materials and to value the process of creation, not just the end result.

This stark contrast between the accessibility of materials in contemporary abstract art and the labour-intensive, culturally significant process in traditional Aboriginal art underscores the unique value and depth of Aboriginal artistic traditions.

It’s a powerful reminder of the rich history and cultural significance embedded in every piece of Aboriginal artwork.

Bridging Cultural Divides

Art is truly a universal language. People from around the world, from different cultures and speaking different languages, are able, in one way or another, to interpret the emotional power of colours and shapes into their own personal meanings.

That’s the beauty of art in all its varied and different types.

In my practice, I use non-representational art as a form of personal visual expression. Each abstract painting I create has a personal meaning to me, but I don’t expect viewers to interpret that same meaning.

In fact, I find it much more effective when the artwork is able to resonate with others in their own personal way.

To me, a successful painting is one that evokes an emotional response in an individual, irrespective of culture and language.

This universal aspect of art is particularly evident in Aboriginal art.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Aboriginal art is its ability to appeal to diverse audiences, transcending typical art preferences.

While the deeper cultural meanings and stories within Aboriginal artworks may not be immediately apparent to non-Aboriginal viewers, the visual power of the work often creates an immediate emotional connection.

For instance, the vibrant dot paintings of artists like Johnny Warangkula Tjupurrula or the bold, abstract-like works of Marylin Armstrong have gained international recognition and admiration.

While non-Aboriginal viewers may not understand the specific Dreamtime stories or cultural significance behind these works, they can still appreciate their visual beauty and feel emotionally moved by them.

This unique capacity of Aboriginal art to bridge social and artistic divides is something I deeply admire and aspire to in my own work.

It demonstrates how art can serve as a powerful tool for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

However, it’s important to note that while we can all appreciate the visual aspects of Aboriginal art, understanding its full cultural significance requires deeper engagement with Aboriginal culture and knowledge.

The ability of Aboriginal art to appeal to a global audience shouldn’t overshadow its profound cultural importance and the specific meanings it holds for Aboriginal people.

As artists and art enthusiasts, we have the opportunity to use our appreciation of different art forms as a starting point for learning about and respecting diverse cultures.

By doing so, we can help bridge cultural divides while also acknowledging and preserving the unique cultural contexts of different artistic traditions.

Conclusion – Aboriginal Art

While there are fascinating visual parallels between Aboriginal art and abstract art, it’s crucial to appreciate each tradition within its own cultural framework.

Aboriginal art represents a 65,000-year-old continuous artistic tradition, deeply rooted in culture and spirituality.

As we explore these parallels, we must always respect and acknowledge the distinct origins and significance of Aboriginal art.

I hope this exploration has sparked your interest in both Aboriginal art and abstract art.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

Have you noticed any other parallels between these art forms?

Or perhaps you have a different perspective altogether?

Please share your insights in the comments below.

Remember, art has the power to bridge cultural divides and foster understanding.

Let’s continue this conversation and learn from each other’s perspectives.