S: Australian symbols (part 1) - symbolic art

Today we will be talking about Australian symbols. It's a first class of a whole series dedicated to this topic, and we're going to start with Aboriginal symbols.

We've already established that Aboriginal Art is highly symbolic, but I'd like you to watch the video below and - as you are answering questions on the way - you're going to learn exactly what we mean by that statement.




The art presented above is mainly the Dot Painting style. But it's not the only one, and definitely not the oldest. Dot Painting was popularised worldwide in the 20th century, and the idea to paint on canvas rather than tree bark is really young.

On the other hand rock art can be traced back as far as 60 thousand years. Please watch the video below to learn about that style and where most of these wall paintings are located.




Below you'll find the meanings of some most often used motifs in Aboriginal art.

This illustration shows you the technique.

This last video links the topic of art to the topic of Australian and Aboriginal identity. Listen carefully and pay attention to some topics we have already covered in our class: Stolen Generations, Australia Day and First Fleet landing in 1788, pearl industry, Kimberley and Jandamarra rebellion. Adam Goodes, the man featuring in this video, is a very famous Aussie Rules (or Australian Football) player. Aussie Rules itself is a sport which is symbolic for Australia, but that's a topic we'll cover in our next class.

Before viewing consider the following questions:

1) What does identity and culture mean to you? Is there a culture you feel connected to? How important is your connection to this culture?

2) What do you know about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s connection to Country?



After you view the clip, think about these questions:

1) Adam says, "[Australia Day] is the day that we celebrate the birth of Australia as you know it now, but to the Indigenous community, that's the saddest day for our culture." What do you think is meant by “dispossession”? What yould you say if you were to explain how Aboriginal people were dispossessed of their land, identities and culture when the British colonised Australia? Why is 26 January “the saddest day” for Aboriginal cultures?

2) Why do some people – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – consider 26 January to be “Invasion Day”? Do you think Australians should celebrate Australia Day?

3) Read this article and decide whether or not the date of Australia Day should be changed.

Finally, please answer the few questions below and sign in the register. Thanks!