Follow the dots
Indigenous art has exploded onto the world stage with a multi-coloured flourish. In Tropical North Queensland, Indigenous art is fresh, distinctive, vibrant and alive. Artists like Torres Strait Islander Alick Tipoti’s unique intricate lino prints are on display in museums globally. Paintings, sculpture, wearable art and ceramics reflect a dizzying smorgasbord of styles from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the rugged remoteness of Cape York and the lush tropical rainforest of the coast.
From the simple string crafts of the Kaiadilt people to the turtle shell masks of Badu Island and geometric painted throwing sticks by Eastern Cape rainforest communities, this area has produced art that exists nowhere else in Australia.
Aboriginal art isn’t new – far from it. Artistic expressions were originally rock carvings, body painting and ground designs, dating back more than 30,000 years. Quinkan Country in Laura is home to the spine-tingling prehistoric rock paintings listed by UNESCO as among the top 10 rock art sites in the world and Jarramali Rock Art Tours have the keys to unlock this treasure trove of country.
For the present century, head to the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair – an epicentre for domestic and local collectors, the July event is the place to meet artists alongside their showcased exhibits. Learn the talents of world-renowned artist, Brian “Binna” Swindley and take your own one-hour painting workshop at Janbal Gallery in Mossman. Admire local artworks at ethically curated art galleries throughout Tropical North Queensland and visit Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island, the keeping place for culture and art of the Torres Strait.
Explore Indigenous Art
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Culture & indigenous attractions
Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre
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accessible
Rainforestation Nature Park
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accessible
Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience
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cairns northern beaches
Culture Connect
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adventure
Jarramali Rock Art Tours
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art galleries
Janbal Gallery
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art galleries
Gab Titui Cultural Centre
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art galleries
Australia.Gallery
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art galleries
Cairns Museum
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art galleries
NorthSite Contemporary Arts
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cape york
Milbi Wall (The Story Wall)
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cape york
Quinkan Reserves Ancient Rock Art
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atherton tablelands
Ravenshoe Visitor Centre
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art galleries museums
Nganyaji Interpretive Centre
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art galleries
Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct
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art galleries
Wik and Kugu Art Centre
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art galleries
UMI Arts
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art galleries
Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre
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art galleries
Cairns Art Gallery
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atherton tablelands
Chillagoe
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