Investigating Creative Expression: Papunya Tula

One of this week’s blog options asked us to choose a type of creative expression and explain how an anthropologist would investigate the form and substance. Australian Aboriginal culture has always captured my curiosity. So here is my chance to look into one of their more contemporary forms of art. Popularly known as “dot painting” this creative form of expression is called Papunya Tula! Its story begins in 1971 in a dessert settlement in Central Australia. 

You, as an anthropologist might begin studying the surface or aesthetic qualities of these paintings. Depending on the time frame that the piece was finished, you will find different styles. From 1971 to 1972 the paintings were bright in color and used whatever material was at hand. Particle board and other metal sheeting was recycled to paint on. At first glance these paintings look abstract - full of circles, ovals and other strange shapes.

 But after 1972, the paintings apparently begin to change. As pieces were starting to sell outside of their small settlement, natives worried that sacred things would be discovered by outsiders. So the paintings take on a "dotted" look instead. Canvas and composition board are much more commonly used underneath the paint. Now, the pieces of artwork seem even more abstract and color schemes are toned down. 

Understanding that not everyone everywhere has the same idea for what is "beautiful" I will refrain from using that term. But you would have to notice the lovely patterns and symmetry in these pieces. There's a harmonic flow to each painting and the use of color seems well planned out. 

However "aesthetically pleasing" these paintings are from the outside, what is more important to the anthropologist is likely the story from the inside. You might be curious to know why these began specifically in 1971. A little bit of research or a look into Papunya Tula: Art of the Western Desert by Geoff Bardon (Available through the HSU book exchange if you're curious: http://library.calstate.edu/humboldt/worldcat/record/28667308?source=regional) would reveal much of its history. You would find that the settlement was a meshed group of Australian Aboriginal people from different language groups forced together by an oppressive government. Journeys were a large part of their culture, but denied the right to travel, the people grew frustrated and felt helpless. Geoff Bardon arrived in he witness the children drawing in the sand. So he encouraged them to paint. Hesitant at first, the elders of the settlement allowed the children to paint and express their "dreams" (which are also crucial to Aboriginal culture). Unfortunately years later after paintings were being sold outside of the community, the natives became much more secretive about the stories and their meanings in the paintings. An intriguing job for an anthropologist would be to encounter these people about their artwork. There is a group that exists today called Papunya Tula Artists Pty Ltd. There are 120 artists and they have works in galleries world-wide. 

http://www.papunyatula.com.au/history/

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/aug2001/tula-a24.shtml
http://www.aboriginalartstore.com.au/aboriginal-art-culture/papunya-tula-aboriginal-art-mov.php