Art galleries Australia

This gallery displays paintings depicting the history of Dreamtime by the indigenous peoples of the western desert, Wongathu, Ngaanyatjarra and Pitjinjarra. It also includes paints on bark, boomerangs, didgeridoos, beads, bowls, shields, spears, propellants and more.

Modern art and craft by renowned Australian designers and designers. Superb gallery with high ceilings.

Tiwi Design is an Aboriginal art center located in Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, north of Darwin. Founded in 1969, it is one of the oldest and most diverse art centres in Australia. The center produces ochre paintings on canvas and bark, ironwood sculptures, printed fabrics, ceramics, bronze and glass sculptures, as well as limited edition prints. The corporation's aim is to promote, preserve and enrich Tiwi culture.

Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association is an art center located in Milikapiti, Northern Territory, Australia. Run by Aboriginal artists, it features a variety of authentic Tiwi artworks. Visitors can discover ironwood carvings of birds, Tutini poles, and ochre paintings on bark, canvas, linen and paper. Limited editions of original prints and hand-printed textiles are also available. To learn more about Tiwi culture and understand local art, visitors can take part in learning activities organized by the center. Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association is a must for anyone interested in Aboriginal art and culture in Australia.

Fancy an early morning stroll through the streets of Townsville? Head to Finders Mall on Sunday mornings (8am-1pm) to explore the largest craft market in North Queensland. Pottery, jewelry, paintings, children's clothing... The market features local handicrafts and a variety of stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables and homemade baked goods. You can also enjoy a bite to eat on site.

A 5-minute drive from the center, contemporary art lovers will appreciate Tangentyere, a non-profit organization working in the "town camps", small aboriginal social housing areas scattered around the city. The artists often paint on site, and have a rather unique style. They mostly represent scenes of everyday life in bright colors. Tangentyere offers paintings, but also original t-shirts, very trendy in Alice, jewelry and other accessories, perfect for those looking for ethical souvenirs.

Among the art galleries at Todd Mall, the one not to be missed is Papunya Tula. In 1971, a non-Aboriginal teacher encouraged the Papunya men of the desert west of Alice to paint the school walls. Their response was enthusiastic, and led to the first uses of dot painting on canvas (previously used for body paint, floor paint, etc.). The artists then launched Papunya Tula, which is wholly owned by the Luritja and Pintupi artists, and produces colorful paintings representing ancestral lands and myths.

An NGO known for the quality and originality of its art, Tjanpi desert weavers work in desert communities in the NT, Western Australia and South Australia border areas. Tjanpi means grass in Pitjantjara, and the works shown (and sold) are all made of organic materials, especially spinifex, the "porcupine" grass found in the desert areas of the Red Centre. You'll find beautiful baskets, but mostly lizards, birds and other creatures in fabulous shapes and colors!