Aboriginal bark paintings

by Robert Edwards

hardcover

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1969 and reprinted throughout the 1970s this book is in some ways rather dated, but in others unique among books on Australian aboriginal art I've seen. The book is fully illustrated in colour and the pictures take up most of the book and the main reason I have kept this book is because of them. You are given a basic introduction to aboriginal painting and then taken step by step through the process on how they are made. The images start with the bark being taken from the trees and then prepared for painting. It then discusses methods of making paint and what an artist may or may not paint and what colours are permitted for them (this can be complex within tribal law) etc.

In Australia today the majority of aboriginal art is painted on canvas, usually with acrylic or watercolour paints. You see little of the older traditional bark paintings. This book is a window to an art that was seeing it's last vital days in the 1970s. While these older paintings are still made in remote areas and sometimes appear at auctions or can be seen in art galleries it is unlikely most people will ever see one painted like you are shown in this book. It is worth searching out this book if you have any real interested in aboriginal bark paintings and their methods of production.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little gem. This 1964 hardback edition with brilliant photos and examples provides a wonderful introduction to this artistic technique of bark painting, depicting regional stylistic differences, choosing and preparing the bark, pigments, brush construction, and traditional motifs such as the X-ray style, the very abstract, offshoots of cave paintings, and the power of myth. A short and easy read with lots of pictures that introduces the reader to a basic appreciation and hooks ones curiosity to learn more.