Aboriginal Art Styles Explained: Symbols, Regions & Stories 

Instantly recognised for its symbols and rich, cultural storytelling, Aboriginal art has become an integral part of the art and culture market here in Australia and across the world. You might find yourself interested in a piece of Aboriginal art at an online art auction, or perhaps a particular work in a gallery, magazine or digital catalogue has caught your eye. Beyond the visual appeal, you’ll discover countless cultural tales, signifiers, and techniques unique to this craft. To better understand the nuances of Aboriginal art, keep reading.  

Symbols are Used Differently According to Context  

While symbols are undoubtedly a key feature in many works of Aboriginal art, you will find that they are employed differently across each piece, and this is typically dependent on the content, in which it was created, by whom it was created, and where it is to be displayed. Symbols are often shared among artists; however, each individual creative applies them in different ways to create unique meaning in their artwork. Each work speaks in its own symbolic language, with its own interpretation used to represent best the stories and the way that voice wishes to tell them, or as they were inherited in their own life.  

Symbolic Meaning Varies  

Symbols are a fluid application. Spanning a long-standing tradition that goes back to rock art and sand painting, they evolve over time into their own idioms or colloquialisms. Those from a location will create their own phrases in their art, using different symbols and shapes collaged into a single piece to tell a story from their perspective. Artists have their own technical approach to using symbols in their creations, spanning a multitude of elements such as tone, form, and spatial composition.  

Ideas Evolve Through Sharing  

Symbols from Aboriginal cultures and religions are a resource for the artist. They are a way to express meaning and turn rich heritages into something tangible and beautiful. Symbols will vary between different cultures and language groups, and from artist to artist. The concept of sharing ideas is celebrated in this discipline, viewing art and its symbols as narratives – a means of embodiment and deep meaning.  

Symbols are at the heart of the Aboriginal art world, granting insight into a culture’s personality, stories and experiences. When we view these works, we can gain an understanding of what these symbols are and where they are from. The symbols lie at the core of the work, part of the language that the artist uses to tell their stories. This is what makes Aboriginal art so desirable and striking, unique in look and rich in meaning. It is clear to see why this form of creativity is so highly sought after around the globe.  

Discover Aboriginal art for auction online with Charelston’s Fine Art Auctions today.