Beyond the dreamings: Identity and representation in Australian Aboriginal urban art

In the context of the socio-political relations of the art world, how do Australian Aboriginal urban artists form their identities, and how do circulators and consumers represent Aboriginal art? Aboriginal urban artists are of mixed Aboriginal heritage, often estranged from some ideal of "authentic" traditions and belief systems of their culture. But identity formation in this art world is fraught with complexities and ambiguities. I draw on three research techniques: First, past studies and statistical information for socio-economic data; second, participant observation of artists, informal and structured interviews with art galleries, and a brief survey of buyers; and third, the life story to gain further insight into the female Aboriginal urban artist's world. The social and political interactions of producers, circulators, and consumers can both constrain and create opportunities for artists and their identity formation. Most artists say stereotypical images continue to reinforce binary representations of Aboriginality, such that the "authenticity" of their life ways and their art forms is questioned. Most say racist attitudes towards Aboriginal people continue. But artists do seem to have opportunities to freely form their identities. They're "copying" traditional symbols and putting their own meanings on these symbols. Also, they don't seem to be shifting from their life stories and cultural traditions to meet specific art market standards. Most artists seem to form their identities by drawing on their social, cultural, political, and economic histories and experiences in Australia. They're moving beyond the myopic views of others to develop a comfort level with their own understandings of their Aboriginality. But a few artists essentialize "traditional" life ways and art forms. They see this as a way for them to authenticate their Aboriginality. But all artists are challenging the ways Aboriginal people are perceived and the misconceptions about the type of subject matter usually expected of Aboriginal artists. Their art forms teach us, the outsiders, what they have been through and who they are. Also, to a large degree, circulators and consumers seem to appreciate Aboriginal art forms which show the ways artists draw from their unique histories and experiences.