Bark painting
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bark painting is an Australian Aboriginal art-form which is done on the interior strip of a tree bark. This is a continuing form of artistic expression in Arnhem Land and other regions in the Top End of Australia including parts of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Traditionally, bark paintings were produced for instructional and ceremonial purposes and were transient objects. Today, they are keenly sought after by collectors and public arts institutions.
The material of choice is the bark from Stringybark (Eucalyptus tetradonta). Earth pigments - or ochres - in red, yellow and black are used and are mineral oxides of iron and manganese. White pipeclay, or calcium carbonate, is also used. Ochres may be fixed with a binder such as PVA glue, or in the old days, with the sap or juice of plants such as orchid bulbs.
[edit] Notable Aboriginal bark painters
Notable bark painters include:
- Yirawala
- John Mawurndjul
- Djawa
- Binyinyuwuy
- Munggurrawuy Yunupingu
- Paddy Dhathangu
- Wandjuk Marika (also a noted didgeridoo player)
- Lofty Bardayal Nadjamerrek
[edit] External links
- Aboriginal Art - Bark paintings
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