Confused tourists ask if boomerangs are real

TOURISTS are so confused about Aboriginal artwork that indigenous artists are having to convince them their work is real. Lightning Ridge artist Darryl Ferguson is on the Gold Coast to showcase his traditionally made boomerangs and shields – but tourists are questioning why his boomerangs are not painted.

Mr Ferguson said his handmade boomerangs were not decorated because the traditional hunting weapons were generally not supposed to be.

“I don’t paint any of my boomerangs and stick to traditional timbers,” he said.

“People come up and question me, is that real? My people carve ... to tell our Dreamtime stories. We’ve all got a story to tell, it’s not about looking pretty.”

Mr Ferguson said fake art and low wages were a big problem in the industry and was skewing people’s perception about what was authentic Aboriginal art.

Artist Jason Passfield, originally a Gamilaroi/Gomeroi man, said people shouldn’t be scared to buy indigenous art.

“People should be aware and more educated as to what is authentic and what’s not authentic,” he said. “People shouldn’t stop buying, buy from actual artists, not manufacturers and souvenir shops. Start getting involved with these type of things.”

A wide range of art is on display at the FSG shop in Southport, which donated the artists space to display their work.

The store will be open at 20 Railway Street until April 15.