Possessions: Indigenous Art / Colonial Culture / Decolonization

A re-examination of European engagements with indigenous art and its presence in the contemporary art world, exploring the contentious politics of cross-cultural stimulus and the assertion of First Nations peoples' claims to place, history, and sovereignty.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The captivating exploration of European interactions with indigenous art and the enduring presence of indigenous art in the contemporary art world demands our attention. Throughout the 20th century, the arts of Africa, Oceania, and Native America have served as a rich source of inspiration for renowned modernist artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Ernst. However, the complex politics surrounding this artistic exchange have sparked intense debates. Was it a genuine cross-cultural discovery to be celebrated, or merely another instance of Western colonial appropriation?

To delve into this profound inquiry, this enlightening book takes us on a journey through the lens of settler societies such as Australia and New Zealand. Here, Europeans established new nations, displacing and outnumbering native peoples, yet never fully erasing their presence. Within this dynamic of dispossession and resistance, visual art has played a pivotal role. Settler artists and designers sought to forge distinctive identities by drawing upon indigenous motifs and styles. Yet, powerful indigenous art traditions have resolutely asserted the presence of First Nations peoples and their unwavering claims to place, history, and sovereignty.

Cultural exchange has been a multifaceted and intricate process, characterized by both reciprocal influences and unexpected turns. Contemporary indigenous art, while drawing upon global contemporary practices, transcends a mere affirmation of hybrid identities. It insists on the enduring values and deep attachments to place held by Indigenous peoples. This artistic expression serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of these communities, as they navigate the complexities of cultural heritage, identity, and the contemporary world.

Through its insightful analysis, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex interplay between European engagements with indigenous art and the ongoing significance of indigenous art in the global art landscape. It encourages us to engage in critical dialogue, challenge preconceptions, and celebrate the diverse tapestry of artistic expressions that emerge from the intersections of cultures.

Weight: 1074g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500296592
Edition number: New Edition