Lizard (Aboriginal)

Initial Reaction

This piece has no true lines and that different colored dots are used to make the image. The piece has a wide range of vibrant colors and the contrast between them helps the images of the lizard and the flowers to stand out. The detail on the lizard is created through the use of outlines. It is outlined in both yellow, orange, and a pale peach like grey. The contrasting main body is composed of reddish orange and deep purple dots. The piece stands out due to the detail that the artist was able to achieve through the use of dots.

After Research

The use of dots in Aboriginal art has a specific and meaningful purpose known only to those who are initiated into their culture. The dot usage was created to help disguise the true meaning of the pieces of art to outsiders and the art itself is an expression of sacred stories that vary from tribe to tribe. The artists did not want other tribes to understand what the sacred story behind the piece was so they used dots to encode this sacred meaning. This painting in particular has no given author or title as Aboriginal artists cannot credit their work because there is no Aboriginal written language. The artist that painted this would also have to have been granted permission by a tribe official to paint it as all art depicting Aboriginal culture has to be permitted. In addition, the artist cannot change any part of the sacred meaning in their depiction or alter the way in which it is depicted. 

Sources For Image and Research:

Poulter, Jessica. "10 Things You Should Know About Aboriginal Art." Last modified October 23, 2016. https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-aboriginal-art/