AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL ART – ‘THE OLDEST SURVIVING CULTURE IN THE WORLD’

Australian Aboriginal art – ‘the oldest surviving culture in the world’

Financial Times

1.28.2022

2022 is the year of First Nations art. It’s an acclaim that’s long overdue, say fans like Steve Martin

The Financial Times article “In Praise of Aboriginal Art” explores the growing recognition of Australian Aboriginal art in the global contemporary art scene, highlighting its cultural depth and artistic innovation. Actor and collector Steve Martin recalls his discovery of Aboriginal desert painting, which led him to appreciate the profound philosophy of “Country” that underpins much of the work. Once overlooked, Aboriginal art is now gaining momentum with major exhibitions at institutions like the Tate Modern and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as record-breaking sales at Sotheby’s. Artists such as Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Daniel Walbidi, and Angelina Pwerle are spotlighted for their unique visions rooted in ancestral traditions, yet resonating with contemporary audiences. The article emphasizes that beyond its visual brilliance, Aboriginal art reflects the world’s oldest surviving culture and offers timeless lessons about sustainability, identity, and connection to land. 

By Dan F Stapleton   

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PLEASE note that the vast majority of the AGOD / EBEScontemporary collection (the world’s biggest commercial indigenous / aboriginal art gallery : was purchased directly from the artists decades ago. The vast majority of the artists have since deceased and this art has never left the collection. So you can be guaranteed of the quality : all come with the standard legal certificale / title. Prices are low for the fact that we own all and we sell from our home / premises. SO = you will not pay the normal 20% buyers premium from an auction house nor the 50% art gallery commission. AND we will cover all costs of delivery (and all come framed : any questions? God Bless – indigenous art is SPECIAL & this collection – Biggest and Best in the world = we think. We also conclude The Emily Wall is the most important Australian painting = agreed?

3 Days Left

WALKA MOLLY ROGERS NANGKARTI (BORN 1945), Untitled 1997

Gibson’s

Est: 600 AUD – 900 AUD

500 AUD1 bid

7 Days Left

Lily Karadada, WA (c.1937), Wandjina 1986, Ochre on Bark

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Est: 1,500 AUD – 2,500 AUD

1,200 AUD

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

KUDDITJI KNGWARREYE, Australia (Aboriginal) (1938 – 2017), My Country, 2009, acrylic on Belgian linen, 89 x 60 cm. (35.03 x 23.62 in.), Frame: 93 x 64 x 5 cm. (36.60 x 25.19 x 1.97 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 1,500 AUD – 2,500 AUD

650 AUD7 bids

7 Days Left

Peter Marralwanga, Western Arnhem Land (1916-1987), Rainbow Serpent, Ochre on Bark

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Est: 6,000 AUD – 8,000 AUD

4,000 AUD

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

JUDY WATSON NAPANGARDI, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1925 – 2016), Yilpinji Dreaming at Mina Mina, 2006, acrylic on Belgian linen (ready to hang), 152 x 240 x 3 cm. (59.84 x 94.48 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 8,000 AUD – 12,000 AUD

1,300 AUD4 bids

3 Days Left

ANJOLU HEATHER UMBAGAI (BORN 1954), Winjin First Drops Wet Season 2002

Gibson’s

Est: 300 AUD – 400 AUD

460 AUD10 bids

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

NINGURA NAPURRULA, Australia (Aboriginal) (1938 – 2013), Tingari Women, 2002, acrylic on Belgian linen (ready to hang), 182 x 92 x 2 cm. (71.65 x 36.21 x 0.79 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 3,000 AUD – 5,000 AUD

375 AUD3 bids

1 Day Left

NULLA NULLA TOGETHER WITH DIGGING/ FIGHT STICKS (2) 81 cm; 64 cm; 61.5 cm

Lawsons

Est: 200 AUD – 300 AUD

170 AUD12 bids

3 Days Left

TIWI ISLAND, Ceremonial Pole

Gibson’s

Est: 400 AUD – 600 AUD

550 AUD6 bids

7 Days Left

Bobby Campbell, Katherine , Salt Water Bird, Ochre on Timber

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Est: 160 AUD – 240 AUD

80 AUD2 bids

1 Day Left

DICK (GOOBALATHALDEN) ROUGHSEY, (1920-1985), (Rehearsal) Rain Dance 1981, oil on board, 29 x 39 cm. (11.41 x 15.34 in.), Frame: 38 x 49 x 3 cm. (14.96 x 19.28 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 2,000 AUD – 3,000 AUD

1,800 AUD4 bids

1 Day Left

HAIR ADORNMENT, Western Australia 43 x 4.5 cm. (16.92 x 1.77 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 150 AUD – 250 AUD

110 AUD7 bids

1 Day Left

DON GUNDINGA, (c1941 – 1989), (Totem Animals), natural pigments on bark, 103.5 x 34.5 cm. (40 3/4 x 13.58 in.), mount: 40 x 114 cm. (15 3/4 x 44.88 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 600 AUD – 800 AUD

220 AUD10 bids

3 Days Left

BALUKA MAYMURU (BORN 1947), Nyapilingu (Two Figures)

Gibson’s

Est: 400 AUD – 600 AUD

340 AUD2 bids

7 Days Left

Paddy (Jampin) Jaminji, Turkey Creek (1912-1996), Lissadell Country c. 1984, Ochre on Plywood ceremonial danceboard

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Est: 40,000 AUD – 60,000 AUD

30,000 AUD

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

KUDDITJI KNGWARREYE, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1928 – 2017), My Country, 2009, acrylic on Belgian linen (ready to hang), 122 x 122 x 2 cm. (48.03 x 48.03 x 0.79 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 3,000 AUD – 5,000 AUD

280 AUD3 bids

1 Day Left

NULLA NULLA & DIGGING STICKS (2) Sticks: 80 cm;44 cm; Nulla Nulla: 40 x 9 cm

Lawsons

Est: 200 AUD – 300 AUD

260 AUD10 bids

1 Day Left

EARLY WANDA SHIELD, Western Australia 54.5 x 11 x 7 cm. (21.46 x 4.33 x 2.75 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 400 AUD – 600 AUD

375 AUD4 bids

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

TIMMY PAYUNGKA TJAPANGATI, Australia (Aboriginal) (1940 – 2000), Tingari, acrylic on Belgian linen (ready to hang), 137 x 90 x 2 cm. (53.93 x 35.42 x 0.79 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 1,500 AUD – 2,500 AUD

300 AUD4 bids

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

GEORGE (HAIRBRUSH) TJUNGURRAYI, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1943 -), Tingari, acrylic on canvas (ready to hang), 215 x 105 x 3 cm. (84.65 x 41.34 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 10,000 AUD – 15,000 AUD

240 AUD3 bids

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

KUDDITJI KNGWARREYE, Australia (Aboriginal) (c1928 – 2017), My Country, 2006, acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 122 x 61 x 2 cm. (48.03 x 24.01 x 0.79 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 2,500 AUD – 3,500 AUD

375 AUD3 bids

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

KATHLEEN NGALE, Australia (Aboriginal) (1930 – 2021), Untitled, 2009, acrylic on Belgian linen (ready to hang), 90.5 x 92 x 3 cm. (35.63 x 36.21 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 2,500 AUD – 3,500 AUD

750 AUD7 bids

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

DOROTHY ROBINSON NAPANGARDI, Australia (Aboriginal) (1956 – 2013), Untitled (Salt on Mina Mina), acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 97 x 71 x 3 cm. (38.18 x 27.94 x 1.17 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 1,500 AUD – 2,500 AUD

350 AUD5 bids

Closing Now

Judy Wilford, Australia , Dune Flowering, Textile

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Est: 50 AUD – 100 AUD

240 AUD8 bids

1 Day Left

DIDGERIDOO l. 138.5 cm

Lawsons

Est: 250 AUD – 350 AUD

240 AUD5 bids

1 Day Left

DIDGERIDOO l. 135 cm

Lawsons

Est: 250 AUD – 350 AUD

110 AUD6 bids

1 Day Left

MICK MAGANI, Stingray and Swordfish, natural pigments on board, 70 x 50 cm. (27.55 x 19.67 in.), mount: 78 x 52 cm. (30.71 x 20.46 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 800 AUD – 1,200 AUD

350 AUD5 bids

3 Days Left

NAATA NUNGURRAYI (1932-2021), Women’s Ceremony at Karrkurutinytja, 2002

Gibson’s

Est: 500 AUD – 800 AUD

400 AUD1 bid

Aug 24, 7:00 PM 11:04:34

MINNIE PWERLE, Australia (Aboriginal) (1922 – 2006), Awelye, 2001, acrylic on linen (ready to hang), 122 x 91 x 2 cm. (48.03 x 35.82 x 0.79 in.)

Lawsons

Est: 4,000 AUD – 6,000 AUD

220 AUD2 bids

AGOD / EBEScontemporary has the largest collection of EMILY paintings (if you want to own one – contact us – prices range from under $100,000 to over $1m+++; sizes range from small to extra large (we also have a range or Rovers +++; we have the largest collection of Australian indigenous dot paintings, Aboriginal Art – in the world = all for sale. AND because we own our building and commissioned most of the art directly – with the artists = prior to the art centres even existed (you pay no gallery commission; generally 50%; nor do you need to pay the 20% buyers premium – if you were to buy your Emily via an auction house (so contact us if you want to invest : Australian Aboriginal Art : 100,000 years in the making.

August 16, 2026

Martin with Untitled, 1992, by Ronnie Tjampitjinpa © Clément Pascal