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Indigenous art 'better understood in Europe'

By Jane Albert, Deputy arts editor

28 May 2004 - It comes as a surprise to learn that Marc Despallieres, a passionate advocate and collector of Aboriginal art and craft, is a futures trader by profession.

The Frenchman's interest in art started in childhood, when he was fascinated by his father's collection of tribal artefacts. After coming across an exhibition of Aboriginal art in Paris, he was hooked.

For 15 years, Despallieres and his Australian wife travelled between Paris and Australia to visit indigenous communities here, learning about their art and forming friendships with the artists.

Despallieres was shocked by the general lack of understanding in Australia of Aboriginal art and culture.

"I think Europeans have a deeper respect for Aboriginal art than Australians. I'm sorry to say that, but I think Australians need more education," he said. "Some of these artists are so unique, and really deserve enormous recognition."

In an attempt to redress the situation, Despallieres set up the Aboriginal and Oceanic Art Fair in Sydney last year.

Although he was disappointed only 2000 people attended, many of the 30 exhibitors found it helpful to chat with artists and make contacts with galleries and dealers.

This year the fair, held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney's Circular Quay, has attracted 50 exhibitors, ranging from Aboriginal-owned art and culture centres to dealers such as Melbourne's Lauraine Diggins and Sydney auction houses Lawson Menzies and Bonhams & Goodman. Austrade has invited 20 buyers from France, Belgium and Germany to visit.

Tracey Moffatt, Diane Moon, Design and Print Consultant, Alison Alder, Redback Graphix Maningrida, 1988

The artists of Maningrida in Arnhem Land were represented by a gallery last year, but were so pleased with the results they took a stall for this year's three-day fair, which begins today.

"We're from remote communities so this is a good way to make new contacts and see for ourselves how people respond to our work," said Maningrida art co-ordinator Apolline Kohen, who is showing 20 of the area's 700 artists.

"Most of the artists are really proactive and want Maningrida to be represented everywhere," Kohen said.

"We're also selling necklaces and baskets, so we're trying to help everyone."

Prices at the fair range from $10 for bracelets made of nuts and seeds to $200,000 for oil paintings. The event, which includes artists from Easter Island, New Zealand and Tonga, will also feature painting, carving and singing demonstrations.

Despallieres will hold a similar fair in Paris in October that will represent about 20 indigenous artists.

Source: The Australian

relative link :

• Sydney Aboriginal and Oceanic Art Fair (SAOAF)

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