The Fascinating Divergences and Convergences Between Artic and Australian Indigenous Art
Art is a universal language that allows us to understand different cultures, their long histories, customs, and traditions. Each art form in various regions of the world offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of different societies.
One such fascinating domain resides in the aesthetics of the Artic and the indigenous art of Australia. The fundamental divergence between these two forms comes from their landscape, weather, and lifestyle, which are inherently polarising. The Artic region, which includes parts of Russia, Greenland, Canada, and the USA (Alaska), is characterized by its harsh, ice-covered landscapes and long, dark winters. The indigenous folk of these areas, such as the Inuit and the Saami, have developed a unique artistic language that reflects these conditions.
The visual language of Artic art often revolves around seasonal patterns, ecological phenomena, and the local fauna that sustains the populations – like polar bears, whales, seals, and birds. Carving is the predominant art form here, showcasing a visceral understanding and potent commentary on Ice Age life, evoking a sense of resilience and survival.
Analogously, the indigenous art of Australia tells the tale of a culture evolved in a starkly contrasting environment. Here we find narratives of deserts, wide-open spaces, oceanic expanses, and remarkable biodiversity. The indigenous people of Australia, known as Aboriginals, have been creating art for thousands of years, and their works form a crucial part of the cultural heritage.
Australian Aboriginal bark paintings are one of the most valued and fascinating forms of this heritage. Crafted on the bark of the Eucalyptus tree, these works depict ancestral stories, ancient laws, cultural rituals, and diverse landscapes with ochre pigments. They often carry sophisticated metaphoric connotations, providing a beacon to navigate and understand the Sacred Dreaming tracks and the interrelatedness of all living things which is central to Aboriginal cosmology.
At a cursory glance, the artistic expression of these two cultures might seem significantly divergent, but upon closer inspection, they converge on shared themes. Both Artic and Aboriginal art express profound respect and intimacy with their environment, expressing the rhythms of nature in exquisite detail.
Perhaps the most powerful commonality is the way they portray the interconnectedness of all life. In Arctic carvings, the transformational character of animals – turning from humans to animals and vice-versa – highlight the fluid boundaries that exist in the natural world. The Australian Aboriginals also share this central belief, where every life form is seen as part of a larger, interconnected system.
Moreover, both cultures show a deep understanding and reflection of their history, heritage, and social life, serving as tools for cultural preservation, education, and identity affirmation. Ultimately the language of art showcases similarities in our human experiences, despite the stark differentiation in our lifestyle and geography.
In the context of rapid global change and climate crisis, the intimate bond between people and their surrounding environment expressed in styles like Artic art and Australian Aboriginal bark paintings is invaluable. As the cultural pillars of their respective civilization, these art forms prompt us to reimagine our relationship with nature and highlight the necessity of integrating its welfare into our socioeconomic norms.