Art and Religion XI: "Traditional" and "Experimental" art

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Dr. Jennifer Biddle, Anthropologist, argues that not all indigenous art is "traditional"; that much of the aboriginal art movement began as an "experimental" art putting acrylic on canvas that began in the 70s - effectively creating a discourse around "indigenous art". 

"Traditional" art, for Biddle, was initially ephemeral and utilized for ritual purposes that has become 'traditional' art as a commodity to be framed, hanged, and displayed, i.e., from body to canvas.

She is speaking of a linguistic shift within the use of the term 'traditional' and its appropriation within material culture.

Now, through "experimental" art she is expanding the access of various mediums, different forms of expression, to the aboriginal culture as a means to transfer knowledge onto next generations. New art forms are now being incorporated into ritual and tradition/culture.

Her book is: Breasts, Bodies, Canvas: Central Desert Art as Experience