Harvesting traditional knowledge: The conservation of Indigenous Australian bark paintings

Abstract

The Arnhem bark painting movement is an important Australian art movement. For Aboriginal artists, it supports the continuation and transference of traditional knowledge, the development of new cultural expressions, and economic opportunity. As a result of the success of this movement, there is a steady flow of bark paintings from art centres to institutions. There are at times, however, differing perspectives regarding the fragility and care of these works. In order to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical conservation treatment approaches to Indigenous Australian bark paintings, the Harvesting Traditional Knowledge project brought together senior knowledge holders and artists in..