Short Course: Introducing Art & Design of Australia’s First Peoples

Past program

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square

Ground Level

In this introductory course, learn about the art, culture and design of Australia’s First Peoples through a close study of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the NGV Collection.

Curators, artists and community leaders guide informal sessions of discovery over four weeknights. Includes a visit to the Koorie Heritage Trust exhibition They Shield Us.

Presented in Partnership with Koorie Heritage Trust and Deakin University.

Course Learning Outcomes

Introductory knowledge of traditional Indigenous art and culture and their connection to country
Understanding of the function and diversity of Indigenous art across Australia
Understanding of the development of Indigenous art post colonisation
Understanding of the nature of contemporary Indigenous art
Knowledge of key figures in contemporary Indigenous art
Skills in analysing, interpreting and discussing contemporary Indigenous art
Ability to speak about Indigenous art in an informed way using appropriate terminology

Show past events

Wed 25 Sep, 6–8pm (Past)

Learn about the diversity of art in traditional Indigenous culture, its function and its connection with country.

Learning Outcomes

Introductory knowledge of the nature of traditional Indigenous culture and its connection with country
Understanding of the function and diversity of art within traditional Indigenous culture
Awareness of materials and techniques used in the making of traditional Indigenous art and artefacts
Introductory knowledge of the terms and vocabulary associated with traditional Indigenous art

Wed 2 Oct, 6–8pm (Past)

How are contemporary Indigenous artists informed and influenced by traditional techniques, and what was the transition from traditional to contemporary practice?

Learning Outcomes

Understanding of the difference between the functions of pre-contact Indigenous art and contemporary Indigenous art
An introductory knowledge of Indigenous rock and cave art
Understanding of how contemporary Indigenous artists can be informed and influenced by traditional Indigenous art

Wed 9 Oct, 6–8pm (Past)

Discover the diversity of styles in contemporary Indigenous art, with a focus on artists embracing new materials.

Learning Outcomes

Appreciation of the diversity of styles and media in contemporary Indigenous art
Skills in visual description and interpretation of contemporary Indigenous art
Introduction to key contemporary Indigenous artists working with new media

Wed 16 Oct, 6–8pm (Past)

Where does traditional Indigenous art fit in the context of Australian art history more broadly? How are contemporary artists informed by their culture, and what is the future of Indigenous art?

Learning Outcomes

Understanding of traditional Indigenous art in context with Australian history
Introductory knowledge of Indigenous bark shields
Appreciation of how contemporary Indigenous artists are informed by their history and culture
Skills to consider and interpret contemporary Indigenous art in context with broader contemporary art practice, and in terms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture