First Nations 艺术购买指南

Image credit:Malikijarra Jukurrpa (Two Dogs Dreaming)by Murdie Nampijinpa MorrisContent Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that this article contains the names, images, artworks and stories of people who have died.Buying artis a tricky endeavour, there’s a lot to consider especially if you’ve got your heart set on investing in a piece created by First Nations artists. To ethically buy art made byAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artistswe suggest doing your homework and familiarising yourself with theIndigenous Art Code, which was established in 2009 to ensure “fair and ethical trade in artwork and transparency in the process of promotion and sale of artwork”.  Likewise, research galleries that support or are owned by First Nation Australians (then you know you’ve come to the right place) and get to know the reputations and offerings of each.“Read widely, ask questions, research, and collect what you love!” says Sarah Weston ofCraft Victoria. “Collecting pieces that you’ll love and treasure, and knowing the history of the artist and the story behind their work is something I think of as essential to acquiring any piece of art. This connects us and adds layers of meaning to how we experience and enjoy the pieces we collect.”Echoing Weston’s words, Gunditjmara and Torres Strait Islander artist and curator Lisa Waup encourages collectors to “buy art that you love, that talks to your soul and your heart. Or, connects to the story being told by the artist.”Both women encourage prospective buyers to think “broadly” about what constitutes Aboriginal art and what you are drawn to. “From sculpture and weaving, paintings and photography—there are so many talented artists working across a diversity of medium throughout Australia,” Weston advises.First Nations art is rich in meaning and history, so Waup advocates for never being afraid to respectfully ask the artist or dealer more about the story, the artist and their practice. In particular ask “about the artwork, about who the artist is, where the work was made and where the artist is from and how the work was obtained,” Waup advises.Weston also points out there are a number of practical tips to help you invest confidently and understand what constitutes ethical and transparent art while showing respect for First Nations artists to ensure communities can continue to create and share their history and culture.“It’s important to note that galleries who receive accreditation through [theIndigenous Art Code] system will have a logo listed on their website which you can seek out. When purchasing an artwork through the gallery system, you should be issued with a tax invoice, certificate of provenance, as well as the art centre, and the details of the artist and their work,” says Weston. However, not all ethical galleries are part of the Art Code, so make sure you do your own research.’Marlimarli’ in the Writing on the Wall exhibition. Image credit:@blakdotgallery“Ethically investing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art directly results in supporting artists and ultimately artists being paid well for their work,” says Waup, adding that in “buying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork from an Aboriginal Art Centre or reputable gallery, you know that the artists will be paid well, which not only supports them but also their family and community. The artist is also well supported to create artwork utilising high quality materials, given opportunities to support their career, and protected.”If you’re new to the collecting game, Weston encourages you to start small while you become familiar with the process and what you’re drawn to. Waup highlights that Australia is home to a number of community art fairs and centres likeBaluk Arts;Desart;Kaiela Arts; theIndigenous Art Centre Alliance;Arnhem, Northern and Kimberley Aboriginal Artists;Koorie Heritage TrustandAboriginal Arts Centre Hub Western Australiawho draw together and support local artisans and galleries.“The beauty of art centres is that they work transparently and fairly with their artists, they are protected from unethical [opportunists] and it is also a regulator of the price of an artist’s work,” Waup notes.Here,VogueLivingpulls together a selection of First Nations galleries to support now and forever. Some are accredited with the Indigenous Art Code and others have been vetted by our team.1. Blak Dot Gallery (above)2. Hearth Galleries (pictured in slide 1)Image credit:Ngayuku Ngura (My Country)by Samuel Miller3. Maruku Arts GalleryImage credit:Burnt LandscapebyNaomi Hobson, 20194. Vivienne Anderson GalleryImage credit:Lake, Little Oneby Nancy Nyanjlpayi Chapman5. Spinifex Hill StudioImage credit:Warlawoon Country,byRammey Ramsey & Kathy Ramsay, 20206. Warmun Art CentreImage credit:UntitledbyDadda Samson7. Aboriginal ContemporaryImage credit:@bukuartnow8. Buku-Larrnggay MulkaImage credit:@bulabulaarts9. Bula’bula ArtsImage credit:Tjala/Honey Antsby Lynette Lewis, 202010. Short St GalleryImage credit:Napaljarri-Warnu Jukurrpa (Star or Seven Sisters Dreaming) by Athena Nangala Granites, 201911. Coo-ee ArtImage credit:Grandmothers Countryby Gabriella Possum Nungurrayi12. Japingka Aboriginal ArtImage credit:Wak Wakby Ivan Namirrkki .13. Maningrida Arts & CultureImage credit:Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming)–PuyurrubySarah Napurrurla Leo14. Warlukurlangu ArtistsImage credit:Linyji (claypan)by Thelma Judson, 202015. Martumili ArtistsImage credit:FlowersbyPolly Ngale16. Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery