Aboriginal Art Authenticity
About the Aboriginal Art Directory
Authenticity concerns have been a major issue in the Australian Aboriginal art industry over several years, and many vendors now go out of their way to ensure authenticity.
When purchasing Aboriginal art, it is prudent to ask the following questions:
1. When considering an artwork
- Did the artist create the artwork?
- Is there a legitimate certificate of authenticity that accompanies the artwork including when and where the artwork was created?
- Is there additional accompanying documentation such as photos of the artists painting the work?
- Is the price fair?
- How does this artwork compare to other works by the artist?
- Could this artwork be resold at an auction house?
2. When considering a vendor
- How did the artwork reach this vendor?
- Is the payment paid to the artist for this work fair?
- Does the vendor belong to a reputable art gallery association?
- Does the vendor operate under a code of conduct?
An excellent buyer guide, the Consumer Guide: Purchasing Aboriginal Art states that all Aboriginal art should include a Certificate of Authenticity to establish the origin of a work.
Legitimate certificates of provenance currently being issued by an art centre or gallery may include the following:
- a picture of the artist and the work;
- a description of the size and appearance of the work;
- a description of the story that the art work represents;
- the name, location and contact details of the arts centre or association that is
- identifying the work; and
- an authorising signature from a person representing the art centre or association
In the Aboriginal Art industry, there are three major concerns to satisfy whether the artist actually painted the work:
- Is the artwork a forgery?
- Is the artwork somebody else's work with the artists name or signature?
- Is the artwork the product of a collaboration?
If the item is Aboriginal craft additional questions should be answered before making a purchase, including:
- Was the item made in Australia?
- Is there a royalty payment to the artist from this sale?
The Aboriginal Art Directory recommends all buyers browse our Aboriginal Art Directory Resources and Buyers Resources section for more information.
We support Aboriginal art centres and galleries that adhere to an ethical code of practice and provenance. The Aboriginal Art Directory provides for all buyers, the list of vendors of the following representative associations:
Further Information:
Information on this website is provided in good faith to try and help fellow Aboriginal art enthusiasts but may contain inaccuracies so please only use as a basic guide. Please contact any listed vendors directly to confirm that information is correct, up to date and always do your research before buying Aboriginal art. Please see our disclaimer for more information.
Last modified: February 19, 2009 7:47 AM
