Takako Nose
Encounter with Aboriginal art
− What is Aboriginal art −
Aboriginal art is the art of the Australian Aboriginal people, who are said to be the world's oldest indigenous people. Although they did not originally have a written culture such as reading or writing, they communicated by using their own unique symbols, drawn on the desert sand, on rocks, in caves, and through body paint.
The Aboriginal people have lived in perfect harmony with the natural cycle for 50,000 years in the harsh, arid desert region. Their drawings convey extremely important information, such as the location of water and food to help them survive in this harsh environment, wisdom for life, and myths, and they pass on their thoughts, spirit, and rules to the next generation.
And in 1971, he first painted on a mural by Jeff Burton.
Through the efforts of the 'Indigenous People', the scope of Aboriginal art gradually expanded, and eventually they began to use Western paints and canvases. Although Aboriginal art is now popular as contemporary art, the images depicted are of course limited to information that is permitted to be made public, and even today, their confidential information is kept strictly confidential. This art, born from the vast desert, is the very essence of their strict culture, and is a work of art that is deeply connected to the earth in order to survive.
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, I have been thinking deeply about "coexistence with nature," and I wanted to learn about the soul and spirit of the Australian Indigenous people, who are well versed in how to live in harmony with the earth, through their art. I headed to Alice Springs in the Australian outback, and was fortunate enough to be able to be involved in their production there.
Modern Aboriginal people living in the 21st century.
Working with the Aboriginal artists who come to the art studio every day to paint, I was able to catch countless glimpses of their various sides. They come to the studio, work hard all day creating, and share all the income they earn with their families and relatives. The bonds between family members are very strong. This is true not only for family members, but also for friends, and it seems they have a habit of sharing together. And they are very human. They often feel joy, sadness, laughter, and anger.
Many Aboriginal people asked me with sad expressions on their faces, "Tunami.....Fukushima...." They were worried about us Japanese people from far away Australia .
Even so, the wives are strong! In every couple, the husbands seemed to be under the thumb of their wives. In contrast, many of the husbands were quiet and gentle. (This is just what the couples who came to the studio said...)
A wonderful collection of works. Big name artists come to the art studio to create works on a daily basis.
Aboriginal artists live in the 21st century. It may not be easy for a people who originally had no concept of time or work to live together in this era . They live their lives in the present, supporting each other with their families, despite their deep dilemmas. They are strong, resilient, and dignified. The wonderful works they have produced and their way of life have become the starting point for my future creative endeavors. They are incredibly human. Their unique art, "born from the earth," evokes the origins of humanity. Aboriginal culture and the art they create will continue to fascinate me.
