As the oldest continuous living culture in the world, the Aboriginal peoples have called Australia home for over 65,000 years. Over this time, a rich tapestry of religion, culture, communities, food, languages, and, of course, art has continued to develop. Aboriginal artwork is truly one-of-a-kind. It’s delicate, detailed, unique, and meaningful – often containing stories and techniques passed down through generations, making it an invaluable addition to any home.
This July 7th– 14th, the rich and diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are being celebrated nationwide through NAIDOC Week. It’s a time to appreciate and acknowledge our Indigenous culture, and what better way to do so than by bringing some beautiful Indigenous artwork into your home. Here, we look at how incorporating Indigenous art adds a rich, unique aesthetic to your home while infusing a sense of connectedness to the land and its traditional custodians.
1. Statement focal pieces
Focal point artworks are a must when styling your home. This includes creating visual interest, defining the space, and injecting personality. With Indigenous artworks, it couldn’t be easier to inject conversation-stopping colour and texture in a meaningful way. Your investment in a piece of bespoke Aboriginal art can actively support and protect the community and culture when purchased through an Indigenous art gallery or cooperative, or even better, you could commission a piece directly from an artist that will hold sentimental value to you and the community.
The value of original artworks has soared over the last few decades, making original artworks by well-known and respected Indigenous artists not just a striking addition to your home but a worthy investment, too. If a large-scale painting isn’t your style, look into prints and reproductions of original artworks. These will be more budget-friendly but still retain the quality and integrity of the Aboriginal artwork.
2. Textural textiles and ceramics
From statement ceramics to the most beautiful rugs, throws, and cushions, bringing Aboriginal art into your home through décor accents couldn’t be easier. Choose from earthy Indigenous-inspired colours or patterns to complement your existing décor or pops of bright dot art to inject some on-trend colour against a neutral backdrop – farewell the days of white on white! You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fabric composition too – while wool and cotton were materials imported by the Europeans and were not traditionally utilised by Aboriginals, these days, you’ll find fabulous wool throws and blankets that serve on the practicality front for keeping you warm through winter, too. Incorporating subtle hints of Aboriginal-inspired décor within your home will add depth, colour, and individuality to your home – and according to Vogues 2024 design trends, character over cookie-cutter is a key theme for architects and interior designers around the globe.
3. Timeless artifacts
Artifacts like the iconic didgeridoo and the boomerang showcase artistry and meticulous craftsmanship and can be used to create eye-catching, culturally significant centrepieces within your home. They’ll bring a sense of history, tell a story, and, ultimately, provide a sense of connection to the Aboriginal peoples and communities. Typically crafted from wood, these items complement earthy, natural, and neutral palettes within the home and can be displayed in various ways. You can use them as a focal point or part of a curated display, add complementary lighting, and even purchase bespoke wall mounts or brackets.
4. Become the artist
Embracing culture involves learning about it, and since art is a vital part of the Aboriginal heritage, a fantastic way to explore is by becoming an artist yourself! While many Aboriginal artworks incorporate techniques and stories passed down through generations, dot art is an accessible way to experiment and create an artwork that is both unique and meditative in the process. There are plenty of tutorials available online that are suitable for all ages, or watch artists create on the Desert Art Centre YouTube channel and get inspired. If you’re feeling brave, skip the canvas and paint directly on the wall for a one-off feature wall that’s sure to be a great conversation starter.
5. Incorporate native plantings
An easy and environmentally conscious way to enhance your garden, which pays homage to our Indigenous roots, is incorporating our hardy, drought-resistant and sculpturally stunning native flora. Thanks to our geographic isolation, Australia is home to some of the most enchanting plant species, including over 800 Wattle and around 700 Eucalyptus varieties – which Aboriginal peoples traditionally incorporated into their diets, bush medicine, and handcrafted items. Native gardens also attract fauna back into your garden, build thriving ecosystems, and increase your curb appeal – all of which contribute to your home’s value and are handy when it comes time to sell.
6. Coffee table books with meaning
Known to be 50% decorative and 50% conversation starter, put aside the Tom Ford and Givenchy Catwalk coffee table books and replace the space with something more meaningful. From history to culture, rich intergenerational stories – and, of course, art – plenty of books are available that tick both the education and decoration box. If you have little ones around, introducing and educating them about the traditional custodians of the land of which they were born is an important job, and this is an engaging way to do so. Some of our favourite art-centric books worthy of a spot on your coffee table include Dreaming the Land and Iwantja.
Keep it respectful, sustainable, and ethical
In incorporating Aboriginal art into your home, it’s essential to do so respectfully, ethically, and sustainably. Supporting Indigenous artists by purchasing their work directly or through reputable galleries and organisations is vital to retaining authenticity and respect for the Aboriginal culture. Whilst it is NAIDOC Week, we encourage you to take the time to learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and when including any art pieces in your home, take the time to understand the cultural contexts and meanings behind the artworks you choose. That way, they’ll become a true conversation piece for years to come.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.