Week Six reading- 'Thinking beyond abstraction' by Felicity Fenner.

Felicity Fenner's article comments on the values placed on Aboriginal art from both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous audiences. She argues that contemporary non-Indigenous artists are far more influenced by Indigenous artists as they have the ability to travel and research influences. Consequently Aboriginal artists are often confined to their own rural town, with no foreign influences to inspire their work. These artists are rarely exposed to contemporary western art, often due to cultural reasons and differences. Fenner argues,

"Western artists tend to paint solely for personal, intellectual fulfilment, the process of painting for Aboriginal artists is also more socio-politically orientated. It is a method of keeping alive traditional cultures otherwise threatened by assimilation." She further argues that Indigenous artists are unaware of their influences on contemporary western work, and are often unimpressed. 

I feel that this is their response to the loss of Indigenous culture through the mis-use of religious and culture icons. Fenner references W.J.T Mitchell through the quote, "the strangeness of buying other people's religious images and putting them onto the wall demands consideration". I agree with this statement as the reproduction of cultural symbols loses significant value through over exposure and mass production. The art becomes an item rather than an icon. However, I also feel that it is ignorant to dismiss western audiences from appreciating Indigenous art. If it is their way of preserving their culture from assimilation, they must showcase their art with pride rather than hiding it from world. Restrictions on the replication of Indigenous art must be maintained for this culture to survive. Additionally, it is a means for Indigenous Australians to bring forth political and social issues. I feel that if non-Indigenous Australians are not exposed to Indigenous art, they will never understand their culture and thus will create further differences between the two races.