Traditional Art Sessions

Since the earliest days of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, ochres were used to paint symbols and icons on rocks to tell the stories of Indigenous Australians. To this day, Indigenous art is focused on storytelling and used to convey knowledge of the land, events and beliefs of Aboriginal people.

Traditionally, paintings by Aboriginals were drawn on rock walls, ceremonial articles, as body paint and most significantly drawn in dirt or sand together with songs or stories.  Artwork we see today on canvas and board only started appearing in the last 100 years.

Wanyara art sessions encourage participants to engage with Aboriginal art practices while working collaboratively. We explore the uses of art in culture, and for storytelling, by getting everyone to work on an individual art piece that speaks to their own personal story.

Participants also work together to create a shared piece, which can be displayed in your school or office. This is a visual representation of the learning the participants have been through and serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the ways in which all Australians can come together to promote acceptance.