It's always a great time to show your support and become an ally for the Indigenous community (if you're not already). But there's no better time to celebrate First Nations excellence than during NAIDOC Week!
The week (from July 3 - Jul 10) is about celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. And a major aspect of Indigenous culture is art.
The Indigenous arts industry has been the victim of exploitation and appropriation for years. So remember when buying - look to ethically purchase authentic works from First Nations artists. As the Indigenous Art Code notes, this not only ensures respect for the world's oldest living culture but ensures the artist themselves are paid and treated fairly. Win/win!
So to provide some handy inspiration, we've rounded up eight First Nations artists you can buy from any time of the year.
And trust us when we say, you'll be looking to purchase or commission a piece when you look at the stellar talent on display.
Watch: Children in the Indigenous communities of the Kimberley, Western Australia, tell us what they aspire to be. Story continues below.
Rachael Sarra, @sar.ra__
Rachael Sarra is a multi-disciplinary artist, designer and businesswoman. As a contemporary mixed raced, First Nations artist from Goreng Goreng Country, Rachael uses art as a powerful tool and outlet. Importantly, Rachael's work often challenges and explores the themes of society's perception of what Aboriginal art and identity is.
Her style is feminine, fun and engaging, but is strongly drawn from her heritage and her role as an Aboriginal woman in a modern world.
You can purchase her artwork here.
Amanda Hinkelmann, @becauseofmyfour
Amanda Hinkelmann is a proud Wiradjuri woman, born in Wagga Wagga on Wiradjuri Country.
As she notes on her website's artist profile: "I have been fortunate enough to grow up with just enough Country to connect with Mother Earth, and just enough city to connect with some incredible people. Today, I raise my four children here on Wiradjuri Country, passing down knowledge and traditions, and ensuring they are connected to our culture and Country."
For Amanda, art isn't just a hobby - it's her life. She uses art to tell stories - all of which are based around one of three things - connection, Country and experience.
You can purchase her artwork here.
Bobbi Lockyer, @bobbilockyer
Bobbi Lockyer is a "queer Aboriginal mermaid queen storytelling with art, fashion and photography" which we love. She's a multidisciplinary artist and specialises in traditional Aboriginal art, fine art and photography.
The Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Nyulnyul and Yawuru woman was born and is based on Kariyarra Country in Port Hedland. In 2021, she was awarded NAIDOC artist of the year and is also an official creator for Nikon Australia. Plus, she's had her work showcased globally, including at Jintai art museum in Beijing, New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and Vogue magazine.
"I love what I do and being creative is how I not only express myself, but it also helps in my own healing and my own self-love and self-acceptance journey. I've had a lot of trauma over the years and I believe that art is healing," she shared on Instagram.
You can purchase her artwork here.
Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood, @miimiandjiinda
Miimi & Jiinda is an Australian art business, founded by Aboriginal mother and daughter, Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood.
Their aim is to create beautiful, unique artworks that connect with the world. They are passionate about painting pieces that reflect their own personal stories and unique journeys as Indigenous women. As proud Gumbaynggirr custodians, Lauren and Melissa love to share their interpretations of Country, which spring from their own personal cultural identities as Aboriginal women.
They also love working with different colours, saying: "Colours are everything as they lift the energy in the room, and have the power to make people feel something and connect deeply with a story you’re trying to convey."
You can purchase their artwork here.
Madison Connors, @yarli_creative
Madison Connors known by her business 'Yarli Creative' is a proud and strong Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamilaroi woman living on Wurundjeri Country in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
"I come from a strong line of women and am following in their footsteps. I aim to embody their full form on this earth and strive to make my mob proud of the work that I create and achieve," she shared.
Her journey to understanding culture has been challenging, rewarding and motivating, describing it like a "jigsaw puzzle with many pieces". For Madison, artwork is something that provides a sense of healing and creates positive change.
You can purchase her artwork here.
Kirli Saunders, @kirli.saunders
Kirli Saunders is an award-winning writer, visual artist and educator with a passion for enlivening spaces and engaging broad audiences in bold conversations for social impact.
A Gunai woman, she cares deeply about advocating for the environment, gender, racial equality and LGBTIQA+ rights, and was the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year in 2020. She specialises in making prints on fine art paper, with many of her designs are reflective of her culture.
You can purchase her artwork here.
Brad Turner, @bradturnercreative_
Only recently did Brad Turner start to create Indigenous artworks professionally as a way for himself and his daughter to learn more about their people, their culture and their traditions. Never did he imagine that sharing this moment with his daughter would change his life.
"From humble beginnings at our dining room table, to now having my art in so many people's homes and hearts, I sometimes have to pinch myself. I feel a great sense of pride and gratitude for being able to do what I do and for the support I've received from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities," he wrote.
Born and raised on Bundjalung Country of southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales, at the heart of Brad's artwork is a unique palette. It reflects the colours of his culture along with hope and positivity. He has a contemporary take on a very traditional style of art.
You can purchase his artwork here.
Kenita-Lee McCartney, @matakupaatarts
Matakupaat Arts is Aboriginal-owned and operated by artist Kenita-Lee McCartney.
A mum of three, Kenita-Lee uses her art practice in a healing capacity - she believes the future of our First Nations is brighter than ever before, with ancestors guiding the storyline. Language is no longer sleeping, traditions are thriving, and First Nations people are stronger with connection to country, air, sea, rivers and animals. This is their Dreaming.
You can purchase her artwork here.
Feature Image: Mamamia/Instagram @sar.ra__, @miimiandjiinda, @yarli_creative.
Love to travel? Take this short survey now to go in the running to win a $50 gift voucher!