Indigenous Australian Dot Paintings

Hi Louise, Thank you for your feedback. You are quite right, Aboriginal art, like native art throughout the world must be treated with care and respect.

As far as I know, non-indigenous artists (professionals and not laypeople) should refrain from painting Aborigine ‘stories’ without permission. There is a strong movement in Australian Aborigine communities to protect indigenous artwork from being exploited by non-indigenous artists. Here is what the ‘Kate Owen Gallery – Contemporary Aboriginal Art” in Sydney has to say.

“Artists need permission to pain a particular story; where ancient and important stories are concerned, and particularly those containing secret or sacred information, and artist must have permission to paint the story she or he paints. Traditional Aboriginal artists cannot paint a story that does not belong to them through family lineage”.

Regarding laypeople, children and adults, it is indeed encouraged. It helps to increase communication and understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous people. In fact the “Kate Owen Gallery” website teaches how to re-create a dot paint inspired by Aboriginal symbols.

We are grateful that you brought the subject up because there ought to be more people with the same doubts. Thanks again. Best wishes!

Hi everyone I know it is a brilliant idea,I was told that it's not respectful to be doing the dot painting as its a cultural thing and each dot suppose to tell a story of the dream time which I respect highly.i know at some day cares and schools they are not allowed to paint unless there's a presence of a elderly aboriginal.Please clarify for me as I refuse to do it at my high care facility till I get the OK to do so from a elderly.We would love to do it this Australia Day if I get the all clear.Thanks

We are using these templates for one of our residents as a way of celebrating his heritage during NAIDOC week here in SA (5-12 July 2015). The resident was pleased to be provided with the four templates. When they are completed they will be named, laminated and take pride of place in his room - his home, his choice. Thank you for providing all the quick reference materials, templates, tips etc., its a great website.

we have used these sometime ago but I'm looking forward to using them again this year with the residents - With Thanks - Shirley NSW

Hi! Just another idea for this wonderful activity of dot painting. Last year we went to the park & collected pieces of bark & let the residents paint on the bark with the direction of just doing circles. We have quite a range of cognitive levels, but everyone enjoyed it & we displayed their work in the Dining room over the long weekend.

Hi I am an activities officer in a high care facility. I found that the residents could use cotton buds easily for the aboriginal dot painting. I have been a member for 2 years now and would like to thank everyone for all the fabulous ideas. Last Australia Day project we did was laminated our dot painting and used the artwork to decorate dining tables and the facility for Australian Day celebrations. Now I will start discussion groups on "The Year of the Horse."
Merry Christmas and have a exciting New Year. Bernadette

Hi you clever people...We are going to try this activity by using chop sticks... let you know how we go... ps. just lovin' this site..:)

Thankyou so looking forward to piting this activity in to practice next week Cheers

i did some simlar only problem was trying to direct down sydrome resident to dot

This can also be done using cotton buds....it's very easy for residents to do..

This is fabulous I can hardly wait to do this with our clients.
Thanks