A SENSORY journey
After successfully pivoting ONLINE when needed, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair will once again INDULGE in the art of sharing – stories, knowledge, trust and BEAUTY – when it LAUNCHES on Larrakia Country this August.
THE is in the TRUE sensory BEAUTY responses of it any invokes; art piece the immediate wondrous; the gratification enhanced of appreciation seeing something of by hearing the artist; about the the thrill creative of forming journey a imparted tactile relationship with an artwork at close quarters; the memories that become attached to a piece when all these facets converge. It is these elements – and so many more – that make the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) such a standout event. Taking place annually on Larrakia Country, the fair has become a celebration of First Nations art and culture, a vivid, joyous coming together of artists, art lovers, performers, designers and Aboriginal and Torres Featuring marketplace, Strait a buzzing Islander where Art Centres. buyers to Centres artists have (and and access Art where 100 money per from cent art of the sales goes artists directly and their to the communities), talks, masterclasses a cultural and the program Country of artist to Couture catwalk event, which showcases unique fashion collections from First Nations designers and artists, as well as song and dance and food and fun, DAAF is all about interaction and generosity. Having seamlessly pivoted to a digital format in 2020 and 2021, DAAF will make a triumphant return to its face-to-face experience at the Darwin Convention Centre 5–7 August, allowing artists and art lovers to benefit from once again being present and in the moment, exchanging knowledge and forging relationships beyond that of just buyer and seller. While a measure of the fair’s success is in its ability to introduce a new, inquisitive and appreciative audience to the beauty and drama of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art – whether they be Australians who have made the journey to Darwin, or international art lovers logging on from outposts far and wide (given its huge success, there will continue to be an online presence at this year’s fair) – it also fosters an increased recognition and understanding of Indigenous art, elevating and celebrating ancient art forms passed down through millennia. This, in turn, creates lasting economic benefits for First Nations artists and their communities. Perhaps then the ultimate sense to be heightened by attending the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair is that of gratitude: for the chance to interact with masters of their practice, for experiencing something totally unique to our shared country, for being able to contribute to positive and beneficial outcomes, and for 65,000 years of stories and histories being shared so unconditionally.
For more information on all the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair has to offer, visit daaf.com.au