Collecting Indigenous art is a rewarding experience that puts you in direct touch with a profound cultural heritage. If you’re looking for a dramatic centrepiece for your living room, a meaningful gift, or a piece to start a private collection, buying Indigenous art deserves serious care and respect. Knowing the stories and cultural history behind each painting makes owning the artwork all the more special.
But buying original art can be a little intimidating if you are new to the art market. This blog shares a few mistakes to buy with confidence, support Indigenous artists fairly, and take home genuine artwork.
1. Failing to Verify Provenance and Authenticity
Provenance assures us that the artwork is by the named artist and it was bought above board. Otherwise, you could be paying for a cheap reproduction or a piece with no value in the art market and no authentication. When you purchase your new painting from an art Sydney gallery, you get a verified Certificate of Authenticity and a paper trail.
Look at the clear documentation below before you buy:
- Certificate of Authenticity: Ensure your painting comes with a signed, official certificate from the artist or ethical gallery partner
- Details of the Story: Genuine pieces have the cultural story, symbolism and background painted on the canvas written out
- Resale Value: Serious collectors and auction houses will always want proof of origin before accepting artwork for resale in the future
2. Overlooking Ethical Sourcing and Fair Artist Compensation
When you buy from untrusted sources, local communities aren’t fairly compensated or credited for their work. Ethical art lovers ensure their money goes to artists, their families and community art centres. It purchases from the right places to provide Indigenous storytellers with a steady income. Take note that these are the main things to do to make sure your art purchase is fair to support the creators.
- Indigenous Art Code: Find galleries that are members of the Indigenous Art Code for fair, open and ethical trading
- Direct Pay: Make sure the artist gets paid fair market rates, royalties and true credit for their original creation
- Community Support: Buying ethically means you’re supporting local art centres, youth projects and important community resources
3. Purchasing Based on Investment Trends Rather Than Connection
Buying art solely for money is risky, though Aboriginal artworks do go up in value. Trends in art come and go. If you purchase a canvas that you do not personally connect with, you will regret buying it. A good art collection should be a reflection of your own taste, mood and appreciation for an artist’s style. Choose a canvas that resonates with you, and it will bring joy to your home regardless of the market.
Below are a few meaningful things to focus on instead of chasing short-lived art trends:
- Personal Feel: Choose pieces that trigger a warm emotional response and look brilliant in your everyday living space
- Artist Skill: Take time to admire the intricate dotting work, line techniques, and natural earth pigments used across different regions
- Story Connection: Enjoy learning about the ancestral Dreamtime narratives, country landscapes, and family history painted on the canvas
4. Ignoring Proper Storage, Lighting, and Framing Needs
Native art is made using natural ochres or organic materials like wood and tree bark. Bright and direct sunlight, or humid rooms, can cause fine art to fade. Using reliable protective UV glass and quality framing keeps your canvas safe from dust, sunlight and wear. Take care of your painting, and it will remain vibrant and beautiful for your family to enjoy for many decades to come.
5. Rushing the Buying Process Without Researching Regional Styles
Aboriginal art is rich, consisting of hundreds of regional styles and traditional techniques. From the dots of Central Desert to the fine cross-hatching of Arnhem Land, each area has its own style. Dashing into the first art shop you see means you’re not going to be able to find out the range of styles. Exploring areas helps you to discover what colours, what storytelling styles and what painting techniques are.
Find Your Perfect Artwork
For those who have some knowledge of the art world, buying original paintings is an exciting experience. Avoiding the pitfalls protects your cash from fake prints and ensures talented artists get compensated. Having real framed artwork in your home adds so much warmth, story, and personality to your walls. Don’t forget that you should discover curated artworks from trusted, ethical galleries today.